KATHMANDU — Devastating flash floods have swept across northern Nepal, leaving a trail of destruction in the Rasuwa district and pushing the confirmed death toll to a staggering 469.

Torrential downpours triggered catastrophic mudslides and swollen rivers that swallowed entire settlements overnight. Emergency crews, backed by the military, are racing against time to locate nearly 1,500 people who remain missing amidst severed communications and washed-out roads.

Authorities warn the toll may rise sharply as relief teams struggle to reach cut-off Himalayan valleys.