Hardest-hit areas turned into 'swampland' as Nepal on high alert for more floods - foreign ministerpublished at 10:26 BST
Image source, Getty ImagesIn Dhunge Bazaar in Nepal's Nuwakot district, efforts are under way to excavate thick mud
Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal says the country's "immediate priority" is to locate the missing and provide urgent relief.
Speaking at a press briefing he says 4,451 people have been rescued, including 187 foreign nationals. He also references the latest death toll and missing figures, which we reported earlier.
Khanal then appeals to the public to rely on "official verified information".
On the operation to locate survivors, he says search and rescue teams, medical teams and emergency responders are working together in the affected areas.
Authorities are co-ordinating with families to identify the missing, with diplomats facilitating communications with the families of missing foreign nationals, he adds.
As concerns about possible secondary flooding continue, Khanal says the risk is being monitored and that the region is on "high alert".
The only way to get to the hardest-hit areas is by helicopter, and some of the terrain has turned into "swampland" meaning helicopters cannot land, he says.
Tunnel rescue is something they are looking for support on, he says, adding that two additional Chinese teams are expected.





















