Himalayan Flash Flood Death Toll Climbs to 626 with Thousands Still Missing

The death toll from the catastrophic flash flood that swept through the Nepal-Tibet border region three days ago has risen to 626, with more than 2,000 people still missing, including a small number of German nationals, according to the German Foreign Ministry. Rescue teams have managed to pull 4,400 survivors to safety using 14 helicopters, though thick mud continues to hamper helicopter landings in hard-hit areas including Temure, Syabrubesi, and Mailung. The disaster was triggered by a glacier collapse at the Nepal-Tibet border. Floodwaters swept bodies as far as 100 kilometers downstream. Nepal accounts for the majority of confirmed deaths at over 620, with China reporting five fatalities. Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has appealed for specialized international assistance with tunnel and road rescue operations, as well as help with victim identification. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sent condolences to Nepal's government. Reconstruction costs are estimated at $4 to 5 billion. The disaster is among the deadliest glacial flood events recorded in the Himalayas in recent decades.