Nepal-Tibet floods toll hits 547 as fresh flood fears slow rescue

The death toll from the flash floods along Nepal's central Himalayan region and the Nepal-Tibet border has risen to 547, while fears of fresh flooding are complicating rescue work. Authorities are continuing search and rescue operations with caution after water levels increased in the Bhotekoshi River area, as hundreds remain missing and questions grow over what triggered the disaster.

The floods have also set off a wider response in Nepal and abroad. Survivors have spoken of a terrifying escape, families of victims and devotees have gathered at a Kathmandu temple to offer prayers, Indian tourists have been evacuated from flood-hit areas, and Nepal, China and international partners are stepping up relief and rescue efforts.

In Nepal's Rasuwa district, survivor Raju Budhathoki, a customs agent, said Wednesday morning had begun like any other day before it turned into a desperate fight for survival as the ground shook and raging floodwaters swept away homes before his eyes. The account captured what many survivors described as "a second life" after narrowly escaping the devastation.