Kathmandu— Following a temporary suspension due to the threat of renewed flooding, Nepal has resumed rescue operations for those missing after Wednesday’s flash floods. The pause was triggered when a lake formed on the upper reaches of the Bhote Koshi river broke its banks Friday morning, prompting authorities to ask residents and rescue teams to move to higher ground. Assessments later indicated the risk wasn't as severe as initially feared, allowing operations to continue.

Temporary Suspension of Operations

Nepal and China both briefly halted rescue efforts due to concerns about a potential surge of water from the breached lake. Nepal requested that its teams and residents evacuate to higher ground as a precaution. Chinese officials paused operations at Gyirong Port, ordering teams to withdraw one kilometer and stand by for further instructions.

Current Status of Rescue Efforts

As of Friday, 469 people have been confirmed dead in Nepal, with nearly 1,500 still missing, including police personnel. More than 1,500 individuals have already been rescued. The Nepal Army has intensified its search for those trapped within the Rasuwa Hydro Power Project tunnel, successfully rescuing two people amidst challenging conditions. Helicopter rescue missions, which had previously saved hundreds stranded in mud and buildings, also resumed.

International Impact and Missing Persons

The disaster has impacted international travelers significantly, with nearly half of those missing in Nepal being tourists. The Nepal Tourism Board reports 667 tourists are unaccounted for, including 127 Nepalis. India is attempting to locate 290 of its nationals, while a group of 80 pilgrims from Tamil Nadu, returning from Mansarovar, remains unaccounted for after reaching the border immigration checkpoint just before the flooding occurred.

China's Response and Casualty Figures

Chinese authorities reported that the water level in the lake had fallen by approximately 10 meters, decreasing the risk of further flooding. However, Beijing has not updated its casualty figures since Thursday, when it stated that 558 people were missing – including 260 foreigners – and three confirmed dead. Rescue teams at Gyirong Port remain on standby.

Assessment of Ongoing Risk

A spokesperson for Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority indicated the current situation does not pose a risk of a massive deluge, describing it as “a small amount of water leaking from the dam down into the valley below.” Emergency teams continue to work despite lost road connectivity in affected areas.

Rescue operations are ongoing with over 13,000 army and police personnel engaged in the search for survivors and recovery efforts. Authorities will likely continue to assess the stability of the lake and monitor conditions for potential further risks.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.