Nepal Flash Flood Leaves 95 Dead and Hundreds Missing Near Tibet Border

A massive flash flood claimed at least 95 lives and left hundreds missing in Nepal near the Tibet border on Wednesday. The deluge was triggered by an ice-and-rock avalanche, according to authorities and scientists. The surge of water and debris destroyed homes, roads, bridges, and hydropower facilities, affecting both sides of the border.

Nepal's Tourism Board reported 403 travelers missing, including 341 foreign nationals and 62 Nepalis, while China confirmed three deaths and 265 people missing in Tibet's Gyirong County. Rescue operations were launched in isolated areas where landslides and floodwaters severed roads and communication lines. Scientists suspect the earthquake, which measured 4.4 on the Richter scale, was the trigger.

At least 105 Indian tourists are among the 291 foreign nationals reported missing. The floodwaters raced towards populated settlements along the Bhote Koshi River, tearing through roads, bridges, and power projects. Many of those missing were trekking, visiting pilgrimage sites, or working on local infrastructure. Both countries mobilized emergency responders and relief teams, but the damage to infrastructure and telecommunications made search efforts challenging.

Concerns over a secondary flood surge persist, as investigators track the level of debris in the river.