Live Updates: At Least 8 Dead As Massive Flash Floods Hit Nepal, Rescue Ops On

At least eight lives were lost and numerous individuals remain unaccounted for following a sudden flash flood that struck northern Nepal Wednesday, devastating settlements and critical infrastructure along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers. According to initial reports, eight bodies have been recovered from Nuwakot and Dhading, but the death toll may continue to rise as rescue teams scour areas isolated by floodwaters and damaged roads.

The flash flood originated near the Bhote Koshi River around 9 am local time, originating from the direction of the Chinese side of the border, according to authorities cited by NDTV. The catastrophic surge caused widespread destruction in Rasuwa district, particularly around Timure and Syafrubesi, where markets, settlements, and hydropower projects were inundated.

Floodwaters subsequently flowed downstream into the Trishuli River, impacting parts of Nuwakot and other downstream locales. Vehicles, goods, houses, and other property were swept away by the sudden surge, leaving several communities scrambling to reach higher ground. The disaster inflicted significant damage on infrastructure across Rasuwa and Nuwakot, with around 60 houses near Trishuli Bazaar reportedly washed away, and two bridges over the Trishuli River damaged or destroyed.

The flood also disabled several hydropower and electricity facilities, including the Rasuwagadhi, Chilime, Trishuli 3A, and Devighat projects. In addition to the destruction of roads, market districts, and police posts, the flood wreaked havoc on public infrastructure. Security personnel are among those reported missing, with nine Armed Police Force personnel from a border outpost in Timure unaccounted for.

Rescue operations are underway, with the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police deploying resources to locate the missing. Twelve helicopters, comprising four Army helicopters and eight private helicopters, have been mobilized to airlift individuals from affected areas, with at least 12 people rescued thus far. Seven injured individuals were transported to Dhunche Hospital for treatment.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah convened an emergency meeting to coordinate rescue and relief efforts. Authorities have advised residents living along rivers and in downstream regions to relocate to safer, elevated areas. The precise cause of the sudden flood remains under assessment; while authorities believe the surge originated from the Chinese side, the possibility of a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) or heavy rainfall in the Tibetan region is being investigated.

Nepal's Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has issued a warning to communities downstream of the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers to remain vigilant.