Death toll from mudslides and flooding at Nepal-China border exceeds 670

The death toll from devastating floods and mudslides along the Nepal-China border has risen to at least 676 people. According to the Associated Press, search and rescue operations have been severely hampered by poor weather conditions, including intermittent rain and thick fog, leading to temporary suspensions in some areas. Nepali authorities reported 669 deaths and 2,426 missing, while Chinese officials confirmed seven deaths and over 550 missing in the Tibet region. Experts believe the disaster was triggered by a large chunk of ice breaking off a glacier and falling into the Lhende Khola River. Nepal has requested technical assistance from China, specifically for tunnel experts to rescue approximately 100 people trapped in a mud-filled hydropower plant tunnel. Nepal's Finance Minister, Swarnim Wagle, estimated that the country will require over $4 billion for reconstruction efforts following the disaster.