Nepal flood death toll rises to 543 as govt declines foreign aid

KATHMANDU: The death toll from floods and landslides in Nepal has risen to 543, while hundreds of people remain missing, according to officials. The Red Cross and Red Crescent warned that conditions in the affected areas remain extremely serious. The destruction of roads and bridges has left some communities accessible only by helicopter, complicating search-and-rescue and relief operations. Despite the worsening situation, Nepal’s Foreign Ministry said the country does not currently require assistance from other nations for relief efforts. A ministry spokesperson said offers of assistance from other countries were a natural response to the disaster. Nepal’s security agencies are…