In China, 43 people were confirmed dead and 519 missing, bringing the combined toll to 1,400 dead and 5,845 missing. The rising numbers are partly due to verification efforts, as authorities compile and cross-check reports from across the country. Prakash Pokhrel, assistant spokesman at the disaster authority, said they are "trying to get to a number that is close to reality”. Rescue work has continued for forteen days following the glacial and mountain collapse near the Nepal-China border that swept away roads, bridges and homes. Nepali rescuers are concentrating on three hydropower projects where workers may still be trapped. Hundreds of hydropower workers are among the missing, though the recent rescue of three people from deep inside tunnels—two Nepalis on Friday and a Chinese man on Saturday—has raised hopes others may still be alive. Dharam Raj Uprety, the disaster authority chief, confirmed operations are ongoing, noting hopes of survivors at three projects. Foreign experts from China, India and South Korea are assisting Nepali teams, and Nepal's foreign ministry has not abandoned hope of finding survivors. However, the ministry cautioned that reported tunnel numbers remain unverified. With mortuaries overflowing, Nepal has buried hundreds of bodies in mass graves after collecting DNA samples for future identification. While the exact cause of the glacial collapse remains unclear, climate change is accelerating glacial melt worldwide, increasing the risk of such disasters. Nepal, a largely rural nation of 30 million people that has contributed little to global greenhouse gas emissions, estimates reconstruction could cost billions of dollars. David Fisher of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies described reaching isolated communities as daunting due to "narrow and dangerous" access routes, warning that "every delay means families wait longer for the support they urgently need”. (Bssnews)