The death toll from devastating floods in Nepal near the Tibet border has crossed 1,000, according to the country’s disaster agency.
More than 3,900 people are still missing, including over 600 workers believed to be trapped inside a large network of mud-filled tunnels at hydropower sites along the Trishuli River.
Engineers are pumping air into the tunnels to help those who may still be trapped. A rescue team entered one of the tunnels but later withdrew after finding no workers inside.
Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah said on Monday that rescue teams had saved 279 people from the affected sites.
Chinese and Nepalese military personnel are leading the international rescue operation, with experts from India, South Korea and Australia also taking part.
Also Read, Massive flash floods and landslides strike Nepal-Tibet border
Earlier, Flash floods and landslides on the Nepal-Tibet border have caused widespread destruction. According to the Nepal Tourism Board, at least 95 people have died, while hundreds of tourists remain missing, including more than 100 Indian nationals and 12 British nationals.
CCTV footage from Tibet shows a massive surge of water and mud crashing into buildings at a border crossing. Images from Nepal also show people fleeing to safety as the flash floods swept through affected areas. Nepal’s Foreign Minister has expressed concern that an earthquake followed by an avalanche may have triggered the devastating floods. However, investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the disaster.