kathmandu: Rescue and relief operations continue in Nepal following devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi River area near Rasuwagadhi on the Nepal-China border. According to Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, 270 bodies have been recovered from flood-affected areas so far, while identification of the victims is underway. Officials said on Thursday that around 1,500 people are missing across Nepal and China’s Tibet region, including more than 800 foreign nationals. Rescue teams in Nepal are using helicopters to search for stranded people and deliver essential supplies to areas cut off by the disaster. Death Toll Could Rise The disaster struck the rugged mountainous region connecting Lhasa in Tibet with Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu. The area is frequented by trekkers and pilgrims. Nepal Police spokesperson A.B. Narayan Kafle told Reuters that the death toll could rise as search operations have resumed and more bodies are expected to be found. Police and tourism officials said 826 people are missing in Nepal, including around 600 foreign nationals. Among the missing tourists from more than two dozen countries are 288 Indian nationals, 63 Americans, 34 Australians, 33 Britons and 25 Canadians. China’s state broadcaster CCTV reported on Thursday that 558 people were missing in Gyirong County, Tibet, including around 260 foreign nationals. Eyewitnesses Describe the Devastation Verified footage from the disaster zone showed a powerful torrent of water and debris sweeping through the border crossing in Gyirong, carrying away people and vehicles. In Nepal, homes, roads and power infrastructure were also washed away. Keshav Prasad Baral, 68, who was receiving treatment in hospital, described the terrifying moment the flood hit. He said a huge mass of mud suddenly moved towards his home. As the mudflow grew higher, he tried to take his wife to the roof, but she was swept away. Baral was rescued by helicopter around four hours later. Another survivor said he saved himself by clinging to a mango tree while watching the house where he worked disappear in the flood. Glacier Collapse Suspected Initial reports from Nepali authorities suggested that a landslide or collapse involving a glacier may have triggered the devastating flood. The U.S. Geological Survey said the event initially reported as a magnitude 4.4 earthquake was actually seismic energy generated by the collapse of rock and ice from a glacier, followed by a massive debris flow. Meanwhile, CCTV reported that Chinese authorities had identified potential risks associated with a lake in Gyirong. The lake is located upstream of the Tibet-Nepal border crossing, an area already severely affected by mud and flooding. Authorities fear that the lake could pose an additional threat and make rescue operations in the mountainous region even more difficult. Key Data 270: Bodies recovered so far 1,500: People missing across Nepal and Tibet 826: Missing in Nepal 600: Approximate number of foreign nationals missing in Nepal 288: Indian nationals reported missing 558: Missing in Gyirong County, Tibet 260: Foreign nationals among those missing in Gyirong 4.4: Earthquake magnitude initially reported, later linked to glacier collapse Relief and rescue operations remain underway, with authorities warning that the death toll and number of missing people could change as search teams reach more affected areas.