Nepal Flood Disaster: Death Toll Rises to 353 as Newly Formed Lake Threatens to Burst

Kathmandu: The death toll from the devastating floods and flash floods in Nepal has risen to 353, according to Nepal Police, as rescue teams continue searching for hundreds of people still missing in the disaster.

A new danger has emerged in the flood-affected region after a lake formed when a river was blocked on Wednesday began rising. Nepal’s disaster management authorities have warned that the newly formed lake could potentially burst, creating another serious threat to communities downstream.

Authorities have appealed to residents, rescue workers and others to stay away from riverbanks and other dangerous areas while monitoring the situation.

More Than 900 People Still Missing

The latest reports indicate that more than 900 people remain unaccounted for following the floods. Rescue operations are continuing across several affected areas, with teams searching for survivors and recovering bodies.

Earlier reports had put the confirmed death toll at 332, but Nepal Police later confirmed that the number had increased to 353.

Rescue teams have also recovered bodies hundreds of miles downstream from the worst-hit areas. Some of the bodies were found in Nepal’s Chitwan district, highlighting the enormous scale and force of the flooding.

Flooding Also Hits Tibet

The disaster has also affected areas across the border in Tibet. China’s state broadcaster reported three confirmed deaths and more than 500 people missing in Tibet.

The floods have caused widespread destruction along the Nepal-Tibet border, with roads, bridges and other infrastructure affected in several locations. Rescue and recovery efforts have been complicated by difficult terrain, damaged transport routes and continuing risks from rivers and unstable areas.

Australian Tourists Among Those Missing

Concern has also grown over foreign nationals caught in the disaster.

An Australian couple from New South Wales who were reportedly on a spiritual pilgrimage are among Australians identified as missing after the flash floods struck the Nepal-Tibet border region.

The Australian government has said its officials are working around the clock to establish the welfare of tourists reported missing in Nepal.

Authorities are continuing to gather information about missing foreign nationals and coordinate with local authorities as rescue operations proceed.

Pope Leo XIV Expresses Condolences

Pope Leo XIV has expressed sadness over the loss of life and devastation caused by the floods in Nepal.

The Vatican said the Pope was saddened to learn of the deaths and destruction caused by the flash floods.

A message from the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, conveyed the Pope’s condolences to the families of those who died and expressed spiritual closeness to people affected by the disaster.

The message offered sympathy to bereaved families and to those whose lives have been disrupted by the catastrophic flooding.

New Lake Raises Fresh Concern

The formation of the new lake has become one of the latest major concerns for disaster authorities. The blockage of a river caused water to accumulate, creating a lake that is now rising.

Officials fear that if the natural blockage fails, a sudden release of water could produce another destructive surge downstream.

Authorities are therefore urging people to remain away from riverbanks and potentially dangerous areas. Rescue teams and local officials are closely monitoring water levels and the condition of the blockage.

The warning comes as emergency teams are already dealing with one of the region’s worst recent flood disasters.

Rescue Operations Continue

Search and rescue teams are continuing their efforts to locate missing people and recover victims. The large number of people still unaccounted for means the death toll could rise further.

The discovery of bodies far downstream has also demonstrated how widely floodwaters have spread and how difficult the search operation has become.

Officials are expected to continue updating casualty figures as identification and recovery operations progress.

The disaster has left families searching for missing relatives while authorities face the difficult task of providing emergency assistance, conducting rescue operations and preventing further loss of life.

Authorities Urge People to Remain Alert

With the threat posed by the newly formed lake still present, authorities are urging people in vulnerable areas to remain alert and follow official instructions.

Residents near rivers and flood-prone locations have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel near waterways and to move to safer locations if authorities issue evacuation warnings.

As rescue operations continue, officials are also assessing damage to infrastructure and working to restore access to affected communities.

The Nepal floods have become a major humanitarian emergency, with hundreds confirmed dead, hundreds more missing and communities across the region facing the continuing threat of flooding and related hazards. Chief Editor: Vijay Kumar