NEW DELHI: Nepal has intensified large-scale search and rescue operations following devastating flash floods and landslides along the Nepal-China border, with 903 deaths reported in Nepal and more than 4,200 people still missing. Rescue teams are racing to locate survivors, including people believed to be trapped inside hydropower project tunnels.

The disaster, triggered by a massive glacial collapse in the Himalayan region, unleashed torrents of water, mud and debris that swept through villages, damaged roads and bridges and disrupted communications. Nearly 90,000 people are estimated to have been affected by the disaster.

Nepalese Army and police personnel, supported by international experts, are conducting rescue operations in some of the worst-hit areas. Search teams are particularly focused on hydropower facilities where hundreds of workers are believed to have been trapped by mud and debris. Adverse weather, difficult terrain and the threat of further flooding have hampered rescue efforts.

The disaster has also triggered an international response. India and China have provided technical and rescue assistance, while several countries and international organisations have mobilised financial aid, emergency personnel and relief supplies.

Nepal is now facing a major reconstruction challenge, with widespread damage to infrastructure and communities. Authorities continue to prioritise the search for missing people, evacuation of survivors and delivery of essential relief supplies as rescue operations enter a critical phase.