Nepal flash flood kills eight, damages roads, power projects

Nepal faced a devastating flash flood on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of eight people and causing significant damage to roads, bridges, and power projects near Tibet. The flood swept away villages in the Himalayan nation, with authorities reporting major casualties in the neighboring Gyirong county of China. The waters in Nepal's affected areas of Syapru Besi and Timure in Rasuwa district were too high for helicopters to land, posing a risk of further casualties.

District administrator Narendra Pariyar urged residents to move to higher ground, warning of potential heavy casualties or property loss. The sudden and sudden nature of the flood prompted a call for caution from Pariyar. Witnesses described hearing a loud sound akin to a volcano eruption as they fled for safety. The cause of the inundation remains unclear, though a similar disaster last year was linked to the draining of a glacier lake in Tibet.

China has reported that the mudslide has affected Gyirong port, disrupting roads, communications, and power supplies in the Shigatse region near the border with Nepal. President Xi Jinping has urged all-out search efforts and stronger monitoring systems to prevent secondary disasters. Nepal's energy ministry reported that 430 MW of electricity, or more than 12% of the country's total hydropower capacity of 3.2 GW, was affected by the flood.

Both the prime minister and local authorities have mobilized police and military forces to join rescue and relief teams, advising people living along the Bhote Koshi river to exercise extra caution and remain alert.