Nepal flood death toll rises to 475 as hundreds remain missing PHOTO

The death toll from a massive flash flood in northern Nepal has risen to 475, with hundreds of people still missing as search-and-rescue teams scour river channels and surrounding areas, The Kathmandu Post reported.

The flooding struck Rasuwa district and neighbouring parts of northern Nepal on Wednesday morning, sending a destructive surge of water, mud and debris into the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers.

The torrent destroyed homes, bridges, roads and other infrastructure, while several communities were cut off from the outside world.

The Nepal Tourism Board said 667 tourists and travellers were reported missing in the affected area, including 127 Nepali nationals.

The Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force have been deployed in the search-and-rescue operation. Helicopters are being used to evacuate people from remote and otherwise inaccessible areas, while ground teams continue searching along riverbanks and nearby terrain.

The scale of the disaster has complicated rescue efforts, with authorities continuing to search for people who remain unaccounted for.

By Tamilla Hasanova