At least 157 people have been killed in Nepal after a devastating flash flood and landslide swept through communities near the Nepal-Tibet border, while hundreds of people, including tourists and security personnel, remain missing.
The disaster struck along the Bhotekoshi River and surrounding areas, sending huge volumes of water, mud and debris through villages, destroying homes, roads and bridges and leaving widespread destruction in its wake.
Nepalese authorities say 579 people are reported missing, including foreign and domestic tourists. Among those unaccounted for are more than 100 Indian nationals, 54 Americans and 33 Britons, according to figures from Nepal’s tourism authorities.
The affected region is a popular destination for both tourists and pilgrims because of its proximity to major religious sites, including Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet, as well as Gosaikunda Lake in Nepal.
Security personnel have also been caught up in the disaster. Authorities report that dozens of army and police officers are missing, alongside workers involved in power projects.
The scale of the flooding has made rescue operations particularly difficult, with roads and bridges washed away and several communities cut off. At least 19 bridges and 40 kilometres of roads have been damaged, with initial estimates putting infrastructure losses at more than 15 billion Nepalese rupees, equivalent to about $98 million.
Rescue teams have been working around the clock to reach stranded residents and tourists. Nepal’s army and police have deployed helicopters, drones and sniffer dogs to assist with search operations.
The Prime Minister’s Office said 1,697 personnel had been deployed, with another 656 on standby. Military and civilian helicopters have already rescued more than 100 people, while ground teams have helped evacuate others from affected areas.
One survivor described the horror of watching members of her family being swept away by the floodwaters. She and her son survived after managing to reach the roof of a building as the water surged through the area.
The disaster has also affected neighbouring Tibet, where Chinese state media reported three deaths and 265 people missing. Footage from the region showed a powerful wall of water and mud crashing into buildings at a border crossing.
Initial reports suggested that an earthquake may have triggered the disaster. However, the US Geological Survey later said its analysis found no earthquake preceding the flooding, concluding that the seismic energy detected was generated by a landslide.
Officials and scientists are still investigating what caused the landslide. Possible factors include heavy rainfall, melting ice or a collapse of material from the mountainous terrain. Experts say satellite imagery and further analysis will be needed to establish the exact sequence of events.
The disaster has triggered an international response, with governments offering assistance to their nationals and to Nepal. India has sent 10 tonnes of emergency aid, while the World Health Organization has dispatched essential medical supplies and multipurpose tents to support affected communities.
The United States, United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand have also issued alerts and said they are working with Nepalese authorities to establish the whereabouts of their nationals.
With rescue operations continuing, authorities warn that the full extent of the devastation may not yet be known, as teams continue searching through flooded and mud-covered communities for survivors and those still missing.
