1 week ago
Nepal-Tibet Flash Flood Leaves Dead, Hundreds Missing
A very large flood suddenly rushed from the Tibet side into Nepal.
It flowed through the Bhote Koshi River and flooded communities near the border.
Houses, villages, roads and bridges were damaged or swept away.
Officials reported that several people had died, but different reports gave different numbers.
Hundreds of travelers could not be contacted, including 105 Indians.
The Nepal Army, police and other emergency teams began searching for people.
Helicopters and rescue teams were sent to the worst-hit areas.
Officials are still investigating what caused the flood and checking the numbers of dead and missing.
A sudden flash flood surged from Tibet through Nepal’s Bhote Koshi River around 8:30–9 a.m. on Wednesday.
Reports cited between four and eight confirmed deaths, while another preliminary report said as many as 95 people were feared dead.
The Nepal Tourism Board reported 384 missing travelers, including 291 foreigners and 93 Nepali nationals.
The missing travelers included 105 Indians, 37 non-resident Indians and nationals from several other countries.
Floodwaters swept away villages, homes, roads and bridges, damaged at least a dozen power projects and triggered rescue operations.
- Who
- Residents and travelers in Nepal were affected, including 105 Indian tourists; Nepalese security forces and emergency agencies led rescue efforts.
- What
- A flash flood caused deaths, left hundreds of travelers missing and damaged settlements, transportation links and power infrastructure.
- Where
- Nepal’s Rasuwa, Dhading and Nuwakot districts near the Tibet border; related mudslide reports came from Gyirong in Tibet.
- When
- Wednesday morning, around 8:30–9 a.m. local time.
- Why
- Reports said the surge originated upstream on the Tibetan side. Possible causes under investigation include an avalanche, a natural-dam breach or a glacial lake outburst flood; rainfall in Rasuwa was not confirmed as the cause.
Upstream Natural Event
Unresolved Cause and Casualty Picture
Cause of flooding
Upstream Natural Event
Preliminary reports attributed the flood to a sudden upstream release from Tibet, potentially caused by an earthquake-triggered avalanche, a natural-dam breach or a glacial lake outburst flood.
Unresolved Cause and Casualty Picture
Officials had not confirmed the cause. Rainfall was reported on the Tibetan side, but flooding was not confirmed to have been caused by rainfall in Nepal’s Rasuwa district.
Scale of casualties
Upstream Natural Event
Several reports said eight bodies had been found, while other reports cited four or seven deaths.
Unresolved Cause and Casualty Picture
The situation remained fluid, and one preliminary report said 95 people were feared dead; authorities continued verifying deaths, missing people and damage.
Regional response
Upstream Natural Event
Nepal mobilised security forces, rescue agencies and helicopters, while India placed disaster-response teams and aircraft on alert for possible downstream flooding and relief missions.
Unresolved Cause and Casualty Picture
Chinese state media reported major casualties and missing people after a mudslide near Gyirong Port, but did not provide a confirmed death toll; one report said the video could not be independently verified.
Key facts
- Reported deaths
- Reports cited four, seven or eight confirmed deaths; one preliminary report said 95 people were feared dead.
- Missing travelers
- The Nepal Tourism Board reported 384 missing travelers: 291 foreigners and 93 Nepali nationals.
- Missing Indians
- The missing travelers included 105 Indian tourists and 37 non-resident Indians.
- Other nationalities
- Reported foreign nationals also included people from the United States, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia and the Netherlands.
- Infrastructure damage
- At least a dozen hydropower projects were damaged, and Nepal’s electricity authority said facilities representing about 430 megawatts of capacity were affected.
- Rescue response
- The Nepal Army, police, disaster-management agencies, local authorities and government helicopters participated in search, evacuation, medical and relief operations.
- Emergency contacts
- The Nepal Tourism Board listed toll-free number 1234, hotline 1144 and Tourist Police number 9851289445.
Quotes
Nepal Electricity Authority
Nepal’s state electricity authority
“the most urgent task is doing everything possible to search for and rescue the missing people... quickly treat injured people and minimise casualties to the greatest extent possible”
livemint.com
“The people of India stand firmly with their sisters and brothers in Nepal at this difficult time. India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance.”
republicworld.com
Sources
Nepal: Seven dead in flash flood, over 100 Indians missing
Nepal flash flood: 105 Indians missing, ‘major casualties’ in Tibet as many villages washed away; rescue op underway
Nepal flash flood fury: 8 dead, 105 Indians missing; villages submerged, bridges swept away | VIDEO
Massive Floods in Nepal-Tibet Region Wreak Havoc; At Least 95 Feared Dead, Over 105 Indians Missing as Rescue Efforts Intensify
105 Indians among 400 people missing after massive flash flood hits near Nepal-Tibet border
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