At least eight people have died and more than 100 Indians are among hundreds reported missing after a massive flash flood swept through Nepal’s Rasuwa district near the Tibet border on Wednesday, August 26.
The sudden flood hit the Bhote Koshi River around 9 am local time, washing away vehicles, bridges, homes and other infrastructure. Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading districts have been affected by the disaster.
105 Indians Among Those Missing
According to a preliminary list prepared by the Nepal Tourism Board, 384 people have been reported missing, including 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali citizens. Among the foreign nationals, 105 are Indians.
The list also includes travellers from Australia, the Netherlands, the United States, Malaysia, the United Kingdom and South Africa. Authorities said the numbers are preliminary and are being verified with travel agencies, guides, local officials and security agencies.
A large number of those missing are believed to be Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims travelling towards Tibet.
Bashu Kumar Adhikari, managing director of Kathmandu-based Touch Kailash Travels & Tours, said 390 pilgrims, including 93 Nepali nationals, were scheduled to cross the border on Wednesday.
“Except for a few, we have not been able to establish contact with the pilgrims as of 3pm,” Adhikari said, according to The Kathmandu Post.
Villages, Bridges And Hydropower Projects Damaged
The Rasuwa district has suffered some of the worst destruction, particularly around Timure and Syafrubesi. Floodwater swept away vehicles and goods stored at the customs area and damaged a recently built bridge.
Several settlements along the river, including Syaphrubesi, Betrawati, Mailung, Salletar, Shantibazar, Pairebesi, Khalti Basti, Sole, Trishuli and Battar, have also been affected.
The flood also damaged Nepal’s important trade route with Tibet and infrastructure around the Rasuwagadhi border crossing.
According to the Independent Power Producers’ Association Nepal, eight operational hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 354 MW, along with five projects under construction, were damaged.
Among the affected projects are the 111-MW Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project, 78-MW Sanjen Khola Hydropower Project and 60-MW Upper Trishuli 3A.
Cause Of Nepal Flash Flood Still Unclear
Officials have not yet established what caused the sudden rise in the Bhote Koshi River. Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology said the flooding was not caused by rainfall in Rasuwa.
Authorities are investigating whether a glacial lake outburst flood, landslide or another event on the Tibetan side triggered the sudden surge.
Dinkar Kayastha, information officer at the department, said, “We are still studying the matter, so the real cause is not yet known.”
He also warned that the danger from the Tibetan side had not completely passed, saying, “We need to be cautious.”
Nepal Launches Large-Scale Rescue Operation
The Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police have been deployed for search and rescue operations. Up to 14 helicopters are being used, along with drones and sniffer dogs to locate missing people.
The Nepal Army said several people had already been rescued from Syafrubesi, Mailung and Dhunche. It has also established an emergency treatment centre at the Military Training Centre in Trishuli.
Authorities have placed Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitwan and Gorkha on high alert and advised people living near rivers to move to safer locations.
Prime Minister Balendra Shah said instructions had been issued to move people living in low-lying areas to safer places. He urged those living near rivers to “exercise extra caution and remain alert.”
