Deadly flood hits Nepal-Tibet border, hundreds unaccounted for

A deadly flood struck the Nepal-Tibet border on Wednesday, claiming at least 19 lives, while hundreds of tourists remain missing. A torrent of mud and debris burst from the banks of a river, burying buildings and prompting a frantic search for survivors. Chinese state media reported "major casualties" following a mudslide at a Tibetan trade hub on China's side of the border, leading President Xi Jinping to order an "all-out" rescue effort.

In Nepal, the death toll rose to 19, but 384 tourists — 291 foreigners — were unaccounted for eight hours after the disaster. Among the missing are Americans, Indians, an Australian, Malaysians, and Britons. Images from Nepali police showed floodwater surging through a river, tearing down houses in its path, while AFP images captured the top floor of a house emerging from muddy soil.

Authorities warned people near the riverside to relocate as the extent of the damage remains unclear. The Nepal Army deployed helicopters and disaster response teams to the affected area, while the Nepal Electricity Authority reported that 430 megawatts of production capacity — including hydropower and solar facilities — was damaged.

No anomalies were detected on China's side of the border, suggesting a rock-ice avalanche might have triggered the flood. Several highways were closed, disrupting travel. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported the devastation at Gyirong Port, with footage showing rushing water carrying debris and a flooded road. China's leader emphasized the urgent need to rescue the missing, treat the injured, and minimize further casualties.

Traffic authorities in Tibet's Shigatse warned roads were at risk of mudslides and unsafe for passage. Monsoon rains from June to September often cause deadly floods and landslides in South Asia, with scientists attributing the increased frequency and intensity to climate change. A remote sensing analyst from ICIMOD warned of a potential second flood due to a blockage upstream on the Nepal-China border river.