By Urdu Report Editorial Team
A devastating flash flood along the Nepal-Tibet border has killed at least 95 people in Nepal, while hundreds of others remain missing after a massive flow of mud, rocks and water swept through communities in the Himalayan region on Wednesday.
The disaster destroyed homes, roads, bridges and power infrastructure, while rescue teams continue searching for missing residents, tourists and workers.
Massive Flood Hits Rasuwa District
The worst damage has been reported in Nepal’s Rasuwa district, particularly around areas including Syapru Besi and Timure.
A huge mass of mud and rock reportedly collapsed into the Lhende Khola River, triggering a powerful debris-filled flood that moved downstream and devastated settlements along the river.
Security footage and videos from the area showed people fleeing as a torrent of water, mud and debris swept through the region.
Earthquake and Avalanche Suspected
Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the disaster.
Initial findings suggest that a 4.4-magnitude earthquake occurred in the region shortly before the catastrophic flooding. The earthquake may have triggered an ice-and-rock avalanche or landslide that entered the river and caused the sudden surge.
However, officials and experts have stressed that the precise chain of events is still being investigated.
Hundreds of People Missing
Nepalese authorities have reported 403 missing people, including 341 foreign nationals, according to reports cited by the Associated Press.
Among the missing foreigners are citizens of India, the United States, Britain, Australia, Canada, Malaysia, South Korea and other countries.
At least 133 Indian nationals were reported missing, many of whom were travelling in connection with pilgrimages to Mount Kailash in Tibet.
South Korea has also reported missing nationals who were working on a hydropower project in Nepal, while Malaysia has received reports concerning citizens who may have been in the affected Rasuwa area.
Homes, Roads and Bridges Swept Away
The powerful flood destroyed or severely damaged homes, vehicles, bridges and roads.
Entire settlements along the river were reportedly affected, while damaged access routes have made it extremely difficult for emergency teams to reach some of the worst-hit locations.
Several power and hydropower facilities have also been affected by the disaster.
Rescue Operations Underway
Nepalese security forces and emergency agencies have launched search-and-rescue operations across the affected areas.
However, the operation has been complicated by heavy sediment, damaged roads, continuing rain and rapidly changing river conditions. Officials said rescue helicopters have faced difficulties landing in some affected areas.
China has also launched a major rescue operation on the Tibetan side of the border following a mudslide that hit Gyirong County and affected the important Gyirong border port.
Chinese authorities have deployed hundreds of rescuers, vehicles, search dogs and emergency equipment to the area.
China’s Tibet Region Also Hit
The disaster has affected both sides of the Nepal-China border.
In Tibet’s Gyirong County, at least three people have died and 265 people were reported missing, according to Chinese state media reports cited by the Associated Press.
The mudslide damaged roads and disrupted communications and electricity around the Gyirong border crossing.
Warning of Another Flood
Authorities have warned that the danger may not yet be over.
A blockage is reportedly still present upstream in the Lhende Khola river system, raising concerns that another sudden flood could occur if accumulated water is released.
Residents living near rivers have been advised to move toward safer and higher ground and remain alert for further warnings.
India Issues Flood Alerts
The flood has also raised concerns downstream in India because rivers originating in the Himalayan region flow toward the Indian plains.
Flood alerts have been issued in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, while authorities in Bihar have begun evacuating people from vulnerable areas as a precaution.
International Assistance Offered
India has offered humanitarian assistance to Nepal, while other countries are working with Nepalese authorities to determine the whereabouts of their citizens.
South Korea has also been coordinating assistance and preparing a response team following reports of missing South Korean nationals.
Himalayan Region Faces Growing Disaster Risks
The latest disaster has once again highlighted the vulnerability of communities living in the Himalayan region.
Experts have linked the increasing risk of floods, landslides and glacial-related disasters in the Himalayas to a combination of rapid environmental change, rising temperatures, glacier melt and development in vulnerable mountain areas.
However, experts caution that each disaster has its own specific causes, and the exact mechanism behind Wednesday’s flood is still being investigated.
Death Toll Could Rise
Rescue operations are continuing, and authorities have warned that the scale of the disaster could become clearer only after teams gain access to areas currently cut off by destroyed roads and infrastructure.
With at least 95 deaths confirmed in Nepal and hundreds of people still missing, the disaster is already among the most serious recent floods to hit the Nepal-Tibet border region.
