Hundreds Missing After Massive Flash Flood Hits Nepal–China Border

Image: Collected

Massive flash floods along Nepal’s northern border with China on Wednesday killed at least 98 people and left 403 others, including hundreds of tourists and workers, missing after sweeping through communities and destroying homes, roads and bridges. 

Authorities warned that the death toll could rise as rescue teams continue searching the devastated areas.

The disaster struck when a massive surge of mud, rocks and water entered the Bhote Koshi River near Nepal’s border with China’s Tibet region.

Videos from the affected areas showed torrents of water and debris sweeping away buildings and people, while several border facilities and construction sites were severely damaged.

Foreign nationals among missing

Nepalese officials said 403 people had been reported missing, including 341 foreign nationals.

The missing travelers reportedly include citizens of India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea and Malaysia.

Nepal’s tourism authorities earlier reported that hundreds of visitors and Nepali travelers were unaccounted for in the affected area.

Officials said the figures were preliminary as communication networks had been disrupted and several roads and bridges were washed away by the floods.

Three killed in Tibet

China’s state broadcaster reported that three people were killed and 265 others remained missing in Gyirong County of Tibet, near the Nepal border.

Chinese authorities said the casualty figures were still being verified as emergency crews worked to reach isolated communities.

Rescue operations underway

Nepalese police, soldiers and emergency workers have been deployed to search for survivors and recover bodies.

Rescue efforts have been hampered by destroyed transport links, unstable terrain and the continuing risk of landslides and further flooding.

The disaster also damaged hydropower projects and other infrastructure in the region. Local reports said workers at construction sites were among those unaccounted for.

Hospitals in the affected areas and Kathmandu have treated dozens of injured people.

Officials are expected to revise the casualty figures as search and rescue operations continue and more information becomes available from remote settlements and affected border areas.

Source: Reuters, CNN