One month since massive floods along Nepal-China border

People along the Nepal-China border are struggling to rebuild their lives one month after a massive mudslide and flash floods. The disaster has killed more than 1,400 people. Many more are missing.

The mudslide occurred on August 26. Authorities in Nepal say 1,453 people are dead and more than 5,500 others unaccounted for. The figure includes five Japanese nationals.

Workers at hydropower facilities are believed to be trapped in tunnels. An official told NHK discussions are underway to end the search.

Authorities say more than 80,000 people have been affected in total. Many who lost their homes are living in evacuation shelters.

They also say work to remove mud and debris is being hampered by a lack of heavy machinery and fuel. And they say food and medicine are not being adequately distributed.

Chinese state media said 43 people were dead and 519 others missing in the Tibet Autonomous Region as of September 5.

UN officials say comprehensive support including psychological care is needed, especially for women, children and the elderly.

A government official in Nepal told NHK that plans have been announced to declare some stricken areas as unsafe for settlement and relocate affected residents.

Authorities estimate the damage in Nepal will come to about 3 billion dollars, including the impact on key agriculture and tourism industries.

Recovery and reconstruction is estimated to cost more than 4.7 billion dollars, or over 11 percent of gross domestic product.