KATHMANDU — Massive floods in Nepal have claimed at least 359 lives, triggering urgent emergency rescue missions across severely devastated regions.

The government issued a fresh high-level alert after satellite imagery revealed a hazardous lake forming upstream along the swollen Bhotekoshi River.

Describing the rapid catastrophe, Foreign Minister Shishir Khamal confirmed that entire towns were wiped out within mere hours as first responders battle treacherous conditions to save survivors.