6 days ago
Nepal Flash Flood Kills 162 as Missing Counts Diverge
A very large flood suddenly rushed through a mountainous part of Nepal near China.
It carried water, mud, rocks and ice into towns and valleys.
Nepal police said at least 162 people died.
Many more people are missing, but officials and news reports have given different numbers.
The missing include foreign travelers and security personnel.
Experts think falling ice and rocks may have blocked a river before the water burst through.
They are still checking exactly what happened.
The flood destroyed roads, bridges and power facilities.
Nepal is using helicopters and rescue teams, while India is sending help and warning areas downstream.
Nepal police raised the reported death toll to 162 after Wednesday’s flash flood and mudslide in Rasuwa district.
Estimates of missing people range from nearly 400 to more than 1,000, including 391 foreigners and 44 security personnel in one government report.
Experts are investigating whether an ice-rock avalanche, glacier-related landslide or debris blockage caused the sudden river surge.
The disaster swept away or damaged hydropower projects, bridges and about 40 kilometres of highway.
Nepal is conducting helicopter rescues, while India sent relief supplies and placed vulnerable areas in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh on alert.
- Who
- At least 162 people died; missing people include foreign nationals, travelers and security personnel. Nepalese authorities are leading rescue operations with assistance from India and China.
- What
- A flash flood and mudslide caused deaths, disappearances and extensive damage to infrastructure.
- Where
- The main disaster occurred in Rasuwa district near Nepal’s border with China, affecting the Lhende and Bhotekoshi river systems. Flooding also reached Tibet and raised concerns in India.
- When
- The flood struck at about 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday; Nepal police reported the 162 death toll on Thursday.
- Why
- The precise cause remains unconfirmed. Investigators are examining a possible ice-rock avalanche, glacier-related landslide or temporary river blockage that released a sudden surge.
Higher Preliminary Estimates
Cautious and Differing Assessments
Number of missing people
Higher Preliminary Estimates
Some reports cited more than 750 or as many as 1,000 people missing, including 391 foreigners and security personnel.
Cautious and Differing Assessments
Other reports cited nearly 400 missing people, nearly 300 missing foreign nationals or 384 missing travelers, suggesting that counts remained uncertain as isolated areas were assessed.
Possible cause
Higher Preliminary Estimates
Reports attributed the disaster to a glacial collapse, ice-rock avalanche or snow-rock landslide that may have blocked the Lhende River before releasing a destructive surge.
Cautious and Differing Assessments
Nepal’s disaster authority said it had not received official confirmation of the precise cause. The United States Geological Survey said there was no earthquake in the area, although one report referred to a seismic signal detected after the landslide.
Damage assessment
Higher Preliminary Estimates
A preliminary assessment cited nine hydropower projects, 19 motorable bridges and 40 kilometres of highway destroyed or swept away.
Cautious and Differing Assessments
A later assessment cited as many as 80 bridges damaged or swept away, indicating that infrastructure figures were still being revised.
Key facts
- Reported death toll
- 162, according to Nepal police; earlier reports cited 157
- Missing-person estimates
- Reports range from nearly 400 to more than 1,000 people overall, while another report cited more than 750
- Foreign nationals missing
- One Nepal government report cited 391 foreigners, including at least 105 Indians
- Other missing people
- The same report cited 44 missing security personnel; another report cited 83
- Infrastructure damage
- Reports cite nine hydropower projects, 19 to 80 bridges and about 40 kilometres of highway damaged or swept away
- Nepal rescue response
- The Army, Armed Police Force, police and helicopters are conducting search-and-rescue operations
- International response
- India sent 10 tonnes of relief supplies and medicines; the United States announced $500,000 in emergency funding
Quotes
Narendra Modi
India’s Prime Minister
“Spoke to Prime Minister Balendra Shah and conveyed condolences on the loss of lives due to the floods in Nepal. The people of India stand in solidarity with their sisters and brothers in Nepal at this difficult time. India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance to Nepal. Our teams are coordinating closely on rescue and relief efforts.”
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“India’s HADR and medical assistance has reached Kathmandu. More assistance is being mobilised to support relief efforts.”
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International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development
Regional organization investigating mountain, climate, and glacial conditions in Nepal
“Preliminary assessment based on video footage and information from affected areas suggests that a large volume of ice and rock debris may have entered the Lende Khola, a tributary of the Bhotekoshi river.”
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Sources
Deadly Nepal Flood Kills at Least 162 With India on Alert
Top updates: Toll rises to 162 in Nepal flash flood, 391 foreigners missing
Nepal Floods: 157 Dead, Over 750 Missing After Massive Flash Flood Near Tibet Border
Nepal Flash Floods: Death Toll Rises To 162, Nearly 400 Foreign Nationals Among Over 1,000 Missing
Live Nepal Flash Floods: Death Toll at 157, Nearly 400 Missing
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