Rescue teams continued searching through thick mud and debris for more than 1,400 people missing after devastating flash floods and landslides hit areas along the Nepal-Tibet border.
The disaster has killed at least 469 people on both sides of the border, with entire villages swept away by powerful torrents of water, rocks and mud.
Freezing floodwaters destroyed homes, bridges and roads, leaving several areas difficult to reach. Authorities have warned that the situation could worsen as more rain is expected and large amounts of water remain trapped behind debris.
Nepali police said 389 bodies had been recovered, while Chinese authorities reported three deaths in Tibet. Nepal's disaster agency said 910 people were still unaccounted for, including at least 517 foreigners. China reported 558 missing people in Tibet, including 260 foreigners.
The combined number of missing people in Nepal and Tibet has reached 1,468.
Why Are 290 Indian Nationals Still Uncontactable?
Indian nationals are the largest group among the missing foreigners. Many were travelling to Tibet's sacred Mount Kailash and Kailash Mansarovar as pilgrims when the disaster struck.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said 84 Indian nationals had been rescued, while 290 remained uncontactable. Indian authorities are working with local agencies to trace the missing people and confirm their safety.
Foreign tourists and trekkers in Nepal have also been affected by the floods and landslides, adding to the challenges faced by rescue teams.
What Triggered The Massive Floods And Is Another Flood Possible?
Nepal and China said a glacier collapse on Wednesday released a huge mass of rock, ice, mud and debris into Himalayan river systems. The resulting flood swept through villages and damaged major infrastructure along a route connecting Kathmandu with Lhasa, which is used by trekkers and pilgrims.
Initial reports suggested that an earthquake may have triggered the event. However, the US Geological Survey said a magnitude 4.4 seismic event reported in the area was actually caused by the collapse of glacial rock and ice, followed by a debris flow.
Authorities are now facing another major threat. Debris has blocked the Bhotekoshi River in Nepal, creating a lake that is continuing to rise. China has also warned that around 3 million cubic metres of water could enter a dammed lake over the next three days.