The death toll from the devastating floods that struck Nepal has risen to 1,357, while thousands of people remain missing as rescue teams continue searching devastated communities and hydropower tunnels more than a week after the disaster.

Authorities said the disaster, triggered by the collapse of a Himalayan glacier on August 26, has become one of the deadliest natural catastrophes in Nepal's modern history, causing widespread destruction across the country's northern districts and neighboring Tibet.

Rescue operations continue

According to Nepalese authorities, rescue operations remain focused on locating thousands of missing people, including workers believed to be trapped inside tunnels at several hydropower projects buried under mud and debris.

Rescuers have deployed heavy machinery, drones and specialized equipment to reach the affected tunnel networks, while helicopters continue delivering relief supplies to isolated mountain communities. Authorities said the difficult terrain and unstable weather continue to hamper search efforts.

In a rare breakthrough, rescue teams recently pulled two workers alive from an underground tunnel after they survived for nine days by sheltering in an air pocket and drinking muddy water, raising hopes that more survivors could still be found.

Thousands remain missing

Officials said more than 5,000 people remain unaccounted for, with many believed to have been swept away by floodwaters or buried beneath massive landslides.

The disaster also destroyed roads, bridges, homes and key energy infrastructure, disrupting electricity generation and cutting off access to several remote communities. At least 11 hydropower projects were affected by the floods.

Climate change concerns grow

Scientists and officials have linked the disaster to the collapse of a glacier in the Himalayas, warning that rising temperatures are increasing the risk of glacial failures and catastrophic flooding across the region.

Nepal's government has appealed for continued international assistance as it works to restore critical infrastructure and provide humanitarian aid to affected communities. The disaster has renewed concerns over the growing impact of climate change on the Himalayan region, where rapidly melting glaciers are increasing the likelihood of similar events in the future. (ILKHA)