Rescue teams in Nepal are continuing their search for survivors after catastrophic floods and mudslides left thousands missing, with one dramatic rescue renewing hopes that others could still be alive.
Chandika Kumari Shrestha was found alive 10 days after floods swept away her home in Betrawati. Rescuers heard her calling for help while searching the remains of the four-storey building.
Shrestha had survived inside a narrow pocket of air surrounded by mud and water. Her family had already begun mourning rites after believing she had died.
The discovery comes as emergency teams face a massive recovery operation across Nepal. More than 1,300 people have died, while close to 5,000 remain missing.
Rescuers have also pulled survivors from tunnels in recent days, including a Chinese national near the Trishuli River.
With heavy debris covering homes, markets and infrastructure, crews are using shovels and manually searching gaps in collapsed buildings. Officials say the rescue effort continues despite increasingly difficult conditions.
The survival of Shrestha and others trapped for days is providing a glimmer of hope as Nepal continues to confront the devastating aftermath of the floods.
Additional reporting Reuters.