Nepal’s death toll from the devastating flash floods along its border with Tibet has risen to 676, while nearly 3,000 people remain unaccounted for, as rescue operations continue for a fourth day.

The disaster struck on Wednesday after a glacier collapse triggered a massive surge of water and debris into the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa district, near the Tibet border. The flood swept through settlements and damaged roads, bridges and other infrastructure across the affected areas.

Rescue Operations Intensify

Nepal has intensified search and rescue efforts in the worst-hit areas, including operations to reach people trapped inside tunnels at hydropower projects.

An Indian rescue team has reached Trishuli and carried out an aerial reconnaissance of the Chilime and Langtang areas to assess the situation and plan rescue operations.

The Nepal government is also working to clear roads blocked by flood debris and landslides to restore access to affected communities.

The difficult terrain and continuing risk of flooding have complicated rescue efforts. Nepal has sought specialised international assistance for operations requiring technical expertise.

Hundreds Of Indians Unaccounted For

India has been closely coordinating efforts to trace its citizens affected by the disaster.

The Ministry of External Affairs said 320 Indian nationals remained missing, while around 400 others were stranded on the Chinese side following the floods. At least 153 Indians stranded in China had safely crossed into Nepal, while 63 Indian nationals working at the Trishuli-One hydropower project were rescued.

The MEA also said around 100 people of Indian origin holding other nationalities remained uncontactable. Many may have been travelling for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

India has sent relief supplies, medical personnel and a specialised team to assist Nepal with rescue operations.

Reconstruction Bill Could Run Into Billions

The scale of destruction has raised concerns over the cost of rebuilding infrastructure in the affected areas.

Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said the reconstruction and rehabilitation effort could cost “billions of dollars”.

The floods destroyed or severely damaged homes, roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure, leaving several areas difficult to access.

As search teams continue to look for survivors and missing people, authorities are also working to provide relief to communities devastated by the floods.

One person was killed and five others were injured after two Naga armed groups clashed in a remote forested area of Manipur’s Noney district, according to sources.

The gunfight took place in the Khumji area, where the JUF-Jenchui (ZUF-J) and JUF-Kamson (ZUF-K) factions of the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) exchanged fire.

Security forces yet to reach site

The confrontation occurred in a remote jungle area, making access difficult for security personnel. Security forces had not yet reached the location when the report was published.

The situation remains fluid, and the death toll could change after security personnel reach the area and assess the situation.

There has been no official account of the incident from security agencies so far.

Clash linked to factional rivalry

The latest confrontation comes amid longstanding tensions and armed rivalry among Naga groups over influence and control in Zeliangrong-inhabited areas.

The ZUF was formed in 2011 following a split involving former NSCN-IM cadres and later developed a separate political position focused on Zeliangrong community interests.

Factional tensions and rivalry have periodically led to armed confrontations in Khoupum Valley and other Zeliangrong-inhabited areas of western Manipur, including parts of Noney and neighbouring districts.

The ZUF has advocated protecting Zeliangrong people, land and natural resources and has demanded the integration of Zeliangrong areas under a single administrative umbrella.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India will seek to advance its vision for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), with security, connectivity and opportunity at its core, during his upcoming visit to Central Asia.

Modi is travelling to Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic from August 29 to September 1. He said he is looking forward to working with SCO members towards a region free from terrorism, separatism and extremism.

The Prime Minister said his visit is aimed at strengthening India’s strategic partnerships in Central Asia and further deepening the civilisational links between India and the region.

PM Modi to visit Uzbekistan

At the invitation of Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Modi will visit Tashkent on August 29 and 30 for a state visit.

He said the India-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership has made significant progress in recent years and that his discussions with Mirziyoyev will focus on further expanding cooperation.

The areas of cooperation will include trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence and energy, along with the shared visions of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Yangi Uzbekistan’.

During his stay in Tashkent, Modi will also visit the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, highlighting the cultural and people-to-people ties between India and Uzbekistan.

Modi to attend 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek

From Tashkent, Modi will travel to Bishkek at the invitation of Kyrgyz Republic President Sadyr Zhaparov to participate in the 26th SCO Summit.

The summit marks 25 years of the SCO. Modi is also scheduled to meet President Zhaparov and other SCO leaders during the visit.

He will attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games, which celebrates the cultural heritage of Central Asia.

Security and connectivity among India’s SCO priorities

In his departure statement, Modi said India has remained an active and constructive SCO member since 2017.

He said India’s vision for the region is anchored in security, connectivity and opportunity, while terrorism, separatism and extremism continue to pose threats to peace and stability.

Officials said Modi will address the SCO summit and outline India’s priorities. He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with SCO leaders on the sidelines of the summit.

The Prime Minister said the visit would contribute to the shared pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity, which he described as central to India’s engagement with the world.