1 week ago
Nepal Flash Flood Kills Eight, Damages Roads and Power Projects
A very large flash flood hit northern Nepal near the Tibet border.
It badly affected the towns of Timure and Syapru Besi.
Water washed away villages, vehicles, roads and bridges.
It also damaged power projects and disrupted electricity.
Reuters reported that eight people died, although earlier reports said officials did not yet know the total casualties.
China also reported deaths and missing people after a related mudslide near the border.
Rescue teams, soldiers, police and helicopters were sent to help.
People living near the river were told to move to higher and safer places.
Officials still did not know exactly what caused the flood.
A massive flash flood struck Nepal’s Rasuwa district near Tibet, severely affecting Timure and Syapru Besi.
Reuters reported eight deaths, while earlier official accounts said casualty and property-loss estimates were unavailable.
The Bhote Koshi River flood washed away villages, vehicles and goods and damaged roads, bridges and hydropower projects.
Nepal deployed police, military personnel, rescue teams and helicopters, though high water prevented helicopters from landing in affected areas.
Across the border, China reported major casualties and missing people after a mudslide affected Gyirong port and disrupted roads, communications and power.
- Who
- Residents of Rasuwa and downstream communities were affected; Nepalese authorities, rescue teams, police and military personnel responded. China also reported casualties and missing people in Gyirong.
- What
- A flash flood washed away villages and damaged roads, bridges, vehicles, goods and hydropower projects; Reuters reported eight deaths.
- Where
- Timure and Syapru Besi in Nepal’s Rasuwa district, along the Bhote Koshi River near Tibet; a mudslide also affected China’s Gyirong port.
- When
- Wednesday, August 26; the flood was reported at about 9 a.m. local time.
- Why
- The immediate cause was unclear. Nepal’s hydrology department said the flooding was not caused by rainfall in Rasuwa.
Key facts
- Affected district
- Rasuwa, Nepal, a mountainous district with about 50,000 residents
- Worst-affected areas
- Timure and Syapru Besi
- River
- The Bhote Koshi River originates in Tibet and flows into Nepal’s Trishuli River
- Reported deaths
- Reuters reported eight deaths in Nepal; earlier reports said no immediate casualty estimate was available
- Infrastructure damage
- Villages, vehicles, goods, roads, bridges and hydropower projects were washed away or damaged
- Electricity impact
- Nepal’s Energy Ministry said 430 megawatts of electricity supplies were affected, mostly from hydropower projects
- Response
- Nepal mobilized the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, Nepal Police, rescue teams and helicopters
- Border impact
- China reported major casualties and missing people after a mudslide affected Gyirong port, disrupting roads, communications and power
Quotes
Narendra Pariyar
District administrator in Nepal’s Rasuwa district
“Instructions have been given … to move the people living in the lower areas to safer places. People along the river are advised to exercise extra caution and remain alert.”
theprint.in
theprint.in
firstpost.com
NDTV
telegraphindia.com
“There could be heavy casualties or loss of property. But I cannot say for sure now.”
theprint.in
theprint.in
firstpost.com
NDTV
telegraphindia.com
Unnamed witness
Witness quoted by Nepal’s Onlinekhabar portal
“It all came suddenly. We heard a loud sound, like a volcano erupting. People started to scream and ran away.”
theprint.in
Sources
Nepal flash flood washes away villages, damages roads, power projects
Nepal flash flood kills eight; damaging roads, power projects
Nepal flash floods: Villages washed away, hydropower projects damaged near Tibet border
Flash Floods Wash Away Villages In Nepal, Many Feared Dead
Nepal flash flood washes away villages, damages roads, bridges and power projects - Telegraph India
Related news
Bhote Koshi Flood Kills Eight, Nine Missing in Nepal
Nepal Flash Floods From Tibet Kill Eight, Damage Power
Nepal Flash Floods Kill At Least 160, Hundreds Missing
Nepal Flash Floods Kill 16, Other Report Says Over 50
Nepal Flash Floods Kill At Least 19, Leave Hundreds Missing
Nepal’s Bhotekoshi River Rises as Flash Flood Toll Surges
Kailash Flood Tragedy Puts Sadhguru’s Safety Claims Under Fire
Nepal Flood Death Toll Tops 1,200 as Searches Continue
Satellite Radar May Strengthen Nepal's Flood Warning Systems
Nepal Plans New Landslide Warning System Along China Border
Nepal Thanks India as Glacial Disaster Rescue Efforts Continue
