Kathmandu: The death toll from the devastating floods and landslides across Nepal has climbed to 626, police officials said, as rescue teams continued their search for survivors and missing people for a fourth consecutive day.
The latest figure marks a sharp rise from the previously reported 579 fatalities. Nearly 2,000 people are still unaccounted for, raising fears that the death toll could increase further as rescue workers reach areas cut off by the floods.
The disaster has triggered a major humanitarian response, with tens of thousands of households reportedly in urgent need of food and safe drinking water. The United Nations has said emergency supplies are required in several affected areas as communities struggle to recover from the widespread destruction.
International aid agencies and foreign governments have begun stepping up assistance to Nepal. The European Union, Canada and the United States are among those that have announced plans to provide relief supplies or financial support for emergency operations.
Nepali authorities said rescue teams have so far managed to evacuate around 4,000 people from affected areas. However, damaged roads, disrupted communications and difficult terrain continue to hamper efforts to reach those who remain stranded or missing.
Across the border, China has reported seven deaths linked to the extreme weather. Authorities are also bracing for additional rainfall, which could further complicate search-and-rescue operations and increase the risk of fresh flooding and landslides.
With adverse weather conditions expected to persist, emergency teams remain focused on locating missing people, evacuating those in danger and delivering essential supplies to communities hit hardest by the disaster.
