At least eight killed, hundreds missing after Nepal flash flood

At least eight people were killed and hundreds remain missing after a flash flood swept through villages near Tibet, according to Nepal's authorities. The disaster caused extensive damage to roads, bridges, and power projects in the mountainous Rasuwa district, which is home to about 50,000 people. The flood affected two areas, Syapru Besi and Timure, where helicopters were unable to land due to high water levels.

Officials have urged residents along the Bhote Koshi River to evacuate to higher ground, as nearby villages and infrastructure have been severely impacted. In Tibet, authorities reported "major casualties" following a mudslide that struck a border crossing with Nepal, cutting off roads, communications, and power in the Shigatse region.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for "all-out" efforts to search for the missing and strengthen monitoring and early warning systems. Climate justice activist Prayash Adhikari stated that hundreds of people are missing and that the flood has destroyed entire villages, including schools, bridges, and highways. Videos shared on social media showed torrents of muddy water rushing through mountain valleys, with many locals caught off guard as there was no heavy rainfall.

The Nepal Army deployed helicopters and disaster response personnel to the affected area, while the Nepal Electricity Authority reported that around 430 megawatts of production capacity, including hydropower and solar facilities, have been damaged. The disaster is believed to have been triggered by an avalanche from a glacier, which blocked the Lhende Khola River and released a sudden surge downstream.

Climate experts suggest that the river has flooded twice in the past 14 months but was triggered by this recent ice rock avalanche.