International News: Missing persons near 2,000 in Nepal flood disaster

By Zoila Palma:  The number of people reported missing after devastating flash floods in Nepal has surged to 1,924, according to the country’s disaster relief agency, as rescue teams continue searching areas devastated by a massive flood wave.

At least 517 foreign nationals are among those reported missing, although authorities have issued varying figures as the situation continues to develop, BBC reports.

Nepal’s reported death toll has risen to 579, while at least five people have died in Tibet, where 558 others are reported missing. Information from Tibet remains limited, with reports largely coming from Chinese state media as rescue and recovery operations continue near the Nepal-Tibet border.

The disaster has left widespread destruction in its wake, with one rescue worker describing the scene near the border as “nothing but ruins.”

Rescue teams are now working in extremely difficult terrain near Gyirong Port, where roads have been destroyed and dense forests and steep cliffs have hampered access.

China’s state broadcaster CCTV reported that firefighters from Tibet and Sichuan reached the area on Friday, including six Tibet fire and rescue personnel, 15 members of a Sichuan rescue team and a rescue dog.

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