In-depth rescue efforts underway in Nepal and Xizang to search missing

Eight days since the devastating floods and mudslides, Nepali authorities have ramped up rescue operations in tough terrains while people outside the army barrack search lists of missing, hoping their loved ones will return.

The Xizang regional government has confirmed the death of 21 people on it side of the border as of Wednesday noon.

In capital Kathmandu and Nuwakot, one of Nepal's hardest-stricken districts, some families hold symbolic funerals for those presumed dead in hopes that the rituals would free their souls.

A relative of the missing says, "You know we had a news of landslide and etc. After this, his wife continued to try to contact him. But he was out of contact. And we have been searching for 8 days now. And no news at all, you know."

Along the banks of Trishuli River, priests are seen burning a small pyre and straw effigies representing the missing family members in a ceremony without their bodies.

Coconuts, flower petals and ritualistic offerings are placed inside bowls made of leaves before being presented to Hindu deities.

The relative says: "As per the Nepali culture, we do have our own ritual style. What we thought is he is no more alive. So we do our ritual thing with a symbolic dead body we made and we are doing the ritual thing over here."

In Nuwakot's Bidur, relief materials are kept on ground. Helicopters and other aircraft have been used by emergency teams to airlift evacuees and load aids to stranded communities in areas where roads and bridges have been destroyed by last week's flash floods.

Officials say some tourists reported missing have made contact with authorities.

Resident Buddi Ratna Lama, whose brother-in-law and nephew are missing, says he remains hopeful that they will come even though there is no confirmation about their whereabouts.

At least 1,114 people have been killed there.

324 foreign nationals have been rescued, according to Nepal's Foreign Ministry, and another 590 from 39 countries are still unaccounted for.

Across the border in Xizang, China has reopened the G216 national highway leading to the Gyirong border crossing into Nepal after its sections suffered extensive damage.

State broadcaster CCTV reports a large number of heavy machines are now making their way into the area where a border inspection complex once stood.

The Ministry of Water Resources has pledged to share information on barrier lake risks, glacial lake risks and emergency hydrological monitoring with Nepal to support disaster rescue and relief efforts.