6 days ago
Nepal Flash Flood Death Toll Conflicts as Hundreds Remain Missing
A huge flash flood hit Nepal near the Tibet border on Wednesday morning.
Fast water carrying mud, rocks and debris swept through towns and villages.
It damaged bridges, roads, buildings and power projects.
News reports gave different numbers for deaths, ranging from 46 recovered bodies to 157 reported deaths.
Hundreds of people were still missing, including Indian pilgrims and tourists from many countries.
Rescue teams used soldiers, police and helicopters to search for people.
Bad weather and broken communications made the search more difficult.
India sent supplies and offered help to Nepal.
China also reported deaths and missing people after a mudslide on its side of the border.
A flash flood surged through the Bhote Koshi River near Tibet at about 9 a.m. Wednesday.
Reports cited between 46 and 157 deaths in Nepal as rescue operations continued.
Missing-person estimates ranged from 403 to more than 750, including Indian nationals and people from over two dozen countries.
Floodwaters damaged bridges, roads, buildings and hydropower projects across Rasuwa, Dhading, Nuwakot, Chitawan and other districts.
Nepal deployed security forces and helicopters, while India and China offered rescue and humanitarian assistance.
- Who
- Residents, workers, tourists, security personnel and foreign nationals in the affected areas; Indian nationals were among those missing.
- What
- A flash flood caused deaths, disappearances and extensive damage in Nepal, alongside a separately reported mudslide in Tibet.
- Where
- The flood began near Timure in Rasuwa along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers and spread through several central Nepal districts near Tibet.
- When
- The flooding struck at approximately 9 a.m. local time on Wednesday, with reports dated August 26.
- Why
- Nepal authorities attributed it to a rockslide and swelling of the Lhende River. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal suggested an earthquake may have triggered a glacial outburst, while hydrology officials said rainfall in Rasuwa did not cause it.
Early and Lower Estimates
Later and Higher Estimates
Death toll
Early and Lower Estimates
Early security reports said 46 bodies had been recovered: 18 in Chitawan, 16 in Dhading, 11 in Nuwakot and one in Rasuwa.
Later and Higher Estimates
Other reports cited 95 deaths, while a Nepal Police update reported 157 deaths.
Missing people
Early and Lower Estimates
The Nepal Tourism Board listed 403 missing, while other reports said around 500 were unaccounted for.
Later and Higher Estimates
Other reports said more than 750 people were missing, including 133 Indian nationals.
Cause of flooding
Early and Lower Estimates
Nepal's disaster authority attributed the flood to a rockslide and swelling of the Lhende River; hydrology officials said rainfall in Rasuwa was not responsible.
Later and Higher Estimates
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said an earthquake in Tibet occurred three minutes before the flood and suggested it may have triggered a glacial outburst, although the reports did not confirm that explanation.
Key facts
- Reported Nepal deaths
- Reports cited 46 recovered bodies, 95 deaths and 157 deaths.
- Reported missing in Nepal
- Estimates ranged from 403 to around 500 and more than 750 people.
- Missing Indian nationals
- Reports cited 105 or 133 missing Indian nationals; 37 non-resident Indians were included in one estimate.
- Affected areas
- Rasuwa, Dhading, Nuwakot and Chitawan were among the hardest-hit districts; flooding also reached Gorkha, Tanahu and Nawalparasi East.
- Infrastructure damage
- Reports said at least four permanent bridges and several temporary bridges were damaged, while the government later said 19 motorable bridges were washed away.
- Hydropower damage
- Eight operational hydropower projects totaling 354 MW and five projects under construction were damaged.
- Rescue response
- Nepal mobilized the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police, along with 12 army helicopters; reports said about 93 to 100 people were rescued.
- Chinese-side casualties
- Chinese authorities reported three deaths and 265 missing after a mudslide in Gyirong, Tibet.
Quotes
Nepal Flood Forecasting Division
Nepal government division responsible for flood forecasting
“According to information received from the Chinese side, since the lake at the river blockage site has not yet been fully drained, the risk remains in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli areas”
theprint.in
thehansindia.com
theprint.in
“the entire nation is shocked and deeply distressed by the loss of life and damage to property in the sudden and massive disaster.”
wionews.com
National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority
Nepal’s national disaster management authority
“Even though the lake has not been fully drained at the site where the river is blocked, the risk persists in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli areas, and people are urged to stay away from the river and remain in safe locations until the next update is issued”
thehansindia.com
Sources
At least 95 killed, 133 Indians among 403 still missing after flash floods in Nepal
Death Toll in Nepal Flash Flood Rises To 46: Officials
Nepal Flash Floods Death Toll Climbs to 46 as Hundreds Remain Missing
Nearly 100 killed, over 750 missing in Nepal flash floods
Nepal Faces Flash Flood Fury: 157 dead; 133 Indians among 500 missing
Nearly 160 killed, over 750 missing in Nepal flash floods
Over 100 Indians among hundreds missing in Nepal flash flood fury
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