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Rescue teams are searching for hundreds of people missing after catastrophic flash floods and landslides struck the Nepal-Tibet border, destroying homes, roads and bridges.
Mariyam Adheela
Flash floods in Nepal has left hundreds of tourists and foreign nationals unaccounted for -- Photo: The Diplomat
Rasuwa district, Nepal: At least 165 people have died after devastating flash floods and landslides struck the Nepal-Tibet border on Wednesday, with hundreds still missing as rescue teams continue searching affected areas in Nepal and Tibet.
The disaster hit Nepal’s Rasuwa district and Tibet’s Gyirong county after a massive collapse of ice, rock and debris sent torrents of water through valleys and settlements.
In Nepal, authorities have recovered at least 162 bodies, while China has reported three deaths on the Tibetan side.
The disaster has also left hundreds of tourists and foreign nationals unaccounted for.
Nepalese authorities have reported hundreds of missing tourists, including nationals from India, the United States, Britain, Australia and other countries. More than 400 foreign tourists are among those reported missing in some of the latest assessments.
China has separately reported 558 people missing in Tibet’s Gyirong area, including 260 foreign nationals.
The Nepalese Army and private helicopters began rescue operations in Rasuwa early Thursday, focusing on people who are injured, stranded or at risk.
Roads, bridges, homes and other infrastructure have been swept away, severely disrupting access to affected communities. Rescue teams are facing difficult conditions as communications and transportation links remain damaged.
India has sent 10 tonnes of humanitarian aid and medical supplies to Nepal, while the United States has pledged US$500,000 for relief efforts.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the exact cause of the disaster. Satellite imagery and experts indicate that a glacial collapse triggered the catastrophic flooding, although seismic activity was initially suspected.
The search and rescue operation remains ongoing, and officials have warned that the death toll could rise as more areas become accessible.
