Nepal flash flood kills eight; damages roads, power projects

On Wednesday, a massive flash flood swept through villages in Himalayan Nepal, killing eight people and damaging roads, bridges, and power projects near Tibet. Tibet reported "major casualties", with some missing in Gyirong county after a mudslide hit a land crossing between China and Nepal. Authorities in Nepal warned that the waters were too high for helicopters to land in the affected areas of Syapru Besi and Timure, a mountainous district of Rasuwa with a population of about 50,000.

District administrator Narendra Pariyar urged residents to seek higher ground, citing reports of suddenly rising waters and a loud explosion-like sound. The cause of the flood was unclear, but a similar incident last year was traced to the draining of a glacier lake. China's Gyirong port was affected by the mudslide, cutting off roads, communications, and power in the Shigatse region.

President Xi Jinping urged "all-out" search efforts and stronger monitoring to prevent further disasters. Nepal's energy ministry reported that 430 MW of electricity supplies were affected, or more than 12% of the country's total hydropower capacity. Prime Minister Balendra Shah instructed police and military to join rescue and relief teams, urging people living along the Bhote Koshi river to stay alert and avoid lower areas.