KATHMANDU / NEW DELHI — A catastrophic flash flood along the Nepal-Tibet border has triggered widespread destruction, leaving scores dead and hundreds unaccounted for. According to initial reports by BBC News and the Nepal Tourism Board, at least 384 people are officially listed as missing, including 291 foreign tourists and 93 Nepalese nationals.
Among the missing foreign nationals, 105 are identified as Indian citizens, alongside 37 non-resident Indians (NRIs), 12 visitors from the UK, and tourists from the US, Australia, South Africa, and Malaysia.
Earthquake and Avalanche Trigger Catastrophe
The disaster struck early Wednesday morning in Nepal’s northern Rasuwa district. Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal informed parliament that a magnitude earthquake hit the region around 8:37 AM local time, triggering a massive avalanche in the high Himalayas. The sudden surge of ice, rock, and melted snow rushed into the Bhote Koshi River—which originates in Tibet before flowing into Nepal—causing instant flash floods downstream.
Across the border in Tibet’s Gyirong County, Chinese state media reported “major casualties” and extensive damage at the Gyirong Port land border crossing, with local power grids and telecom networks completely severed.
Widespread Destruction and Infrastructure Loss
Dramatic footage from affected districts like Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading shows torrents of muddy water destroying concrete bridges, sweeping away multi-story buildings, submerged vehicles, and wiping out local hydropower stations along the Trishuli river system.
Public infrastructure, customs checkpoints, and key trade corridors between Nepal and China have come to a total standstill.
Massive Rescue Operations Underway
The Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and local security agencies have deployed over 15 helicopters to rescue stranded survivors and transport critically injured victims to medical facilities in Kathmandu.
Authorities in downstream areas—including the Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh along the Gandak river basin—have been put on high alert as floodwaters continue to flow southwards.
