Death toll from Nepal floods rises to 734, more than 2,000 still missing

KATHMANDU, Nepal — The death toll from severe flooding that struck Nepal's northern regions beginning August 26 has risen to 734, according to a Reuters report. More than 2,000 people remain missing and are being searched for, the agency said. French news agency AFP had previously reported the death toll at 675. The floods were triggered when a large volume of water flowing from China merged into the Budhi Kosi River. The affected region had experienced a strong earthquake and related landslides shortly before the flooding began. Settlements in northern Nepal sustained heavy damage from the sudden rise in water levels. Officials said search operations for those still missing were continuing. No further details were immediately available.