The death toll from devastating flash floods in central Nepal has risen to 579, while 1,924 people remain missing. Rescue operations have resumed amid warnings of rising water levels and mud in the Bhotekoshi River area. Authorities have rescued over 4,400 people, including 129 foreign nationals, as Nepal faces fresh flood risks.

The death toll from the devastating flash floods in central Nepal rose to 579 on Friday as rescuers recovered more bodies and resumed search operations at full pace. At least 1,924 people, including foreign tourists, security personnel and Nepali travellers, remain missing.

Rescue efforts had briefly slowed amid fears of fresh flooding after water levels rose in the Bhotekoshi River area. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) warned that water mixed with mud had risen at the site of Wednesday's flash flood, increasing the possibility of another flood.

Fresh flood threat looms

"The water level mixed with mud has increased at the same place where the flash flood occurred on Wednesday, and there is a risk of more flooding in the area," the NDRRMA said.