Nepal floods update: Death toll passes 600, thousands missing

Nepal's death toll from Wednesday's flash floods on the Nepal-Tibet border has passed 600, with at least 2,426 people still missing, as authorities appeal to the public for help identifying recovered bodies.

The foreign minister from Nepal has revealed that the flooded Himalayan border region has become a "swampland", with Nepal being highly aware about the possibility of more floods in the future. The rains are hindering the rescue missions along with the body recovery work in the hilly areas.

Many foreigners are reported to be missing with their loved ones waiting for any information from them.

The foreign minister of Australia, Penny Wong, has announced that the consular staff have made contact with 26-year-old Cara Severino, who was trapped at the Langtang trek without any means of communication but then managed to reach Gosainkunda with other trekkers. 41 Australians are missing.

In Trishuli, where one of the worst-hit villages is situated, people are trying to come back and save whatever is possible. Saraswait Ghale, 43 years old, said that the ground shook when the water rushed by and took their belongings away.

Rishika Kalwar, aged 17, said that her family lost both home and their shop and said that she does not believe that she will be able to forget that day.

According to Tearfund and CARE, access to people who are affected has become incredibly difficult because of damaged roads, bridges, and connectivity.

CARE reported that more than 100 emergency kits, including solar panels, tarpaulin, and water purification equipment, have been provided to local authorities by CARE. The Nepal Army has supplied further aid in the affected zones like Dhunche.