Nepal massive flash flood: Four South African tourists reported missing, death toll at 95

KATHMANDU, Nepal experienced a devastating flash flood on Wednesday that has resulted in a death toll of 95, with more than 300 foreign tourists and 93 Nepali tourists still unaccounted for, including four South African nationals. The disaster was triggered by a massive flood originating from the Tibetan region of China and wreaked havoc on the transboundary Bhote Koshi River.

By the evening, authorities had recovered bodies from the affected areas and placed areas along the riverbanks on high alert, urging residents to remain in safe locations.

The Nepali government reported that 44 Nepal Army personnel, 28 police personnel, and 13 Armed Police Force (APF) personnel were out of contact in the disaster-stricken areas. Additionally, 391 foreign tourists and 93 Nepali tourists were also unaccounted for. The damage to infrastructure was extensive, with at least 19 motorable bridges and 40 km of paved roads destroyed or severely affected.

The flood also caused significant damage to transport infrastructure, including hydropower facilities and government offices in Rasuwa. The government immediately mobilized security agencies and other concerned bodies to conduct search, rescue, and relief operations.