Nepal is facing one of its deadliest natural disasters in years after a massive flash flood swept through areas near the Tibet border. More than 626 people have been reported dead, while around 2,400 remain missing after the disaster destroyed villages and several project sites across the region.

Earlier, Chinese state media had reported five deaths, pushing the combined reported death toll to at least 584 at that stage. The situation has continued to develop as rescue teams search for people who may still be trapped or missing.

The disaster has also created fresh concerns for rescue workers after a debris dam burst in Tibet on Friday, raising the possibility of another sudden surge of water and debris.

Rescue Teams Warned of New Flood Threat

Nepal has instructed rescue personnel working in flood-hit areas to move to safer locations after authorities received reports that a debris dam had broken in Tibet.

The development has increased the danger for teams searching for survivors. Officials fear that another torrent could move downstream and worsen the situation in already devastated areas.

Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said 14,829 security personnel have been mobilised for search and rescue operations. Authorities have so far rescued 3,742 people from the affected areas.

The rescue operation is being carried out amid difficult conditions, with damaged infrastructure and the possibility of further flooding creating additional challenges.

320 Indians Remain Uncontactable

The disaster has also affected Indian nationals who were present in Nepal.

During a press briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that 320 Indians were still out of contact. At the same time, 21 Indians had returned to Delhi from Kathmandu.

Indian authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and coordinate efforts to locate those who remain uncontactable.

Glacial Collapse Triggered Devastating Flood

The US Geological Survey said the disaster was triggered by a glacial collapse that caused a huge flow of ice and debris.

The resulting torrent carried large quantities of ice, mud and water through the region. The sudden movement of debris also created massive pools of water in some areas.

One of these water formations reportedly burst in Tibet on Friday, creating a fresh threat as emergency teams continued their search for survivors.

The disaster is being described as Nepal's deadliest natural disaster since the 2015 earthquake, highlighting the scale of the destruction.

Bhote Koshi River Swells Suddenly

The flash flood surged through the Bhote Koshi River, reportedly from the direction of Tibet. The sudden increase in the river's water level caused extensive destruction in Timure in Rasuwa district and the nearby Syafrubesi area.

The Nepal Army said the rapidly rising water caused widespread damage in the affected locations. Villages and project sites were among the areas impacted by the powerful floodwaters.

The scale and speed of the flooding left little time for people in vulnerable areas to respond, adding to the severity of the disaster.

Nepal Deploys Security Forces for Rescue and Relief

The Prime Minister's Office said Nepal Army personnel, the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police have been deployed in Rasuwa and neighbouring areas.

The security forces are focusing on search, rescue and relief operations as authorities try to reach people affected by the disaster.

With thousands still reported missing and the threat of further flooding remaining, rescue teams are facing a race against time. Authorities are also closely monitoring developments in Tibet to assess whether additional torrents could reach Nepal.