Nepal’s police confirmed that the death toll from devastating flash floods in the country’s north has risen to 469 after rescuers intensified searches for bodies and survivors in river basins and downstream areas. The disaster struck on Wednesday morning after severe mud and ice slides in Rasuwa and neighboring districts triggered sudden flooding in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers. Many people remain missing.

The torrent swept away homes, bridges, roads and other infrastructure within moments, cutting off broad areas and many travellers from the rest of the country. Authorities said the full scale of destruction remains unclear as casualty and missing-person reports continue to be collected and coordinated across districts.

The Nepal Tourism Board said at least 667 tourists and travellers, including 127 Nepalis, remain missing in flooded areas. Thirty-one foreign nationals were rescued alive. The Nepali Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force are conducting rescue and evacuation operations with helicopters and ground teams, though severe damage to roads and infrastructure is hindering aid delivery. The cause of the sudden flooding remains under investigation.