Nepal flood death toll nears 500
The death toll from flooding and a subsequent mudslide in Nepal has reached at least 472, with more than 1,400 people still missing. Two Estonian citizens may be among those unaccounted for.
Updated figures released on Friday show that at least 472 people have died as a result of flooding and the mudslide it triggered in Nepal. Of these, 469 deaths occurred in Nepal, while three more people died across the border in China.
More than 1,400 people remain unaccounted for, including hundreds of foreign nationals. Estonia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said that two Estonian citizens may be among the missing.
Cause of the disaster
The flooding was triggered when ice broke off a melting glacier and fell into a mountain river. The resulting mudslide struck a road connecting Kathmandu and Lhasa, which at the time was crowded with tourists and pilgrims.
Rescue efforts
Hundreds of people are involved in rescue operations in Nepal, but the country has said it also needs international assistance to cope with the disaster.
