Nepal Flood Death Toll Climbs to 904, 4,274 Still Missing

The death toll from last week's catastrophic flooding along Nepal's border with China has risen to 904, with 4,274 people still missing, as rescuers work through the night to reach hundreds believed trapped inside hydroelectric tunnels.

Death Toll and Missing Count Continue to Climb

Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority updated the figures Monday morning, an increase of more than 100 deaths and 1,200 missing from the previous day, according to UPI. Among the missing are 592 foreign nationals, including 85 Americans, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Sunday. Unidentified bodies are being held at 21 hospitals across the affected region.

The disaster management agency also reported 267 people injured, with 156 already discharged from the hospital. More than 20,500 security personnel have been mobilized in search efforts, and more than 10,400 people, including 252 non-citizens, have been rescued so far.

The flooding struck last Wednesday morning and is believed to have been triggered by a massive glacial collapse. The U.S. Geological Survey said the resulting deluge registered with the force of a magnitude 5.2 earthquake.

Rescuers Race to Reach Hundreds Trapped in Hydroelectric Tunnels

Disaster management officials said 933 workers remain missing and are believed trapped in hydroelectric tunnels, and rescue teams worked through the night trying to reach them. Nepal's Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation said crews are accelerating efforts at one tunnel in particular, where water accumulated inside is currently being pumped out ahead of sending rescuers in.

Once inside, rescue teams equipped with oxygen, medical supplies, communications gear and cameras plan to travel roughly 180 meters from the tunnel entrance to a possible working space, where they'll assess conditions and try to locate anyone trapped.

Widespread Destruction Reported Across the Region

The International Federation of Red Cross said preliminary information indicates at least 18,000 households have been affected. UNICEF reported at least 17,000 children impacted, with 18 schools completely destroyed and another 20 damaged.

Rescue Operations Continue

Rescue operations continue across the affected region as crews work to reach those trapped in hydroelectric tunnels and account for the thousands still missing. With the death toll and missing count both still rising day over day, officials expect the full scope of the disaster to take time to determine.

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