Scientists say better early-warning system could have saved lives, as rescue efforts for the 4,500 still missing continue
Lok Bahadur Chhetri, spokesperson for Nepal’s foreign ministry, has been holding a press briefing on the floods, providing updates on the search efforts and scale of the disaster. Here are some of the main points from what he said:
The national priority is to save lives, locate the missing, rescue survivors and provide urgent relief to those affected.
More than 21,000 personnel from Nepal’s army, police and armed police forces are engaged in search and rescue, relief and evacuation operations while the government coordinates with its neighbours and the international community, which is providing vital equipment and expertise.
1,010 bodies have been recovered, about 4,000 people are missing and more than 11,800 people have been rescued, including about 324 foreign nationals.
Approximately 590 foreign nationals from 39 countries remain missing – these figures continue to be updated.
Specialised tunnel rescue teams are working to find those feared to be trapped in tunnels at hydropower sites along the Trishuli River including at the Chilime, Langtang and Upper Trishuli 3A sites.