At Least 160 Killed and Hundreds Missing after Flash Floods in Nepal and China
UDIN DHUNGA, Nepal (AP) — Massive flash floods in a border area of Nepal and China on Wednesday killed at least 160 people and left hundreds of tourists, workers and others missing after sweeping through communities and bringing travel in some areas to a halt. Experts said an avalanche from a glacier was the likely cause in the warming Himalaya region.
Massive flash floods swept through communities in a border area shared by Nepal and China on Wednesday, resulting in at least 160 deaths and hundreds of people missing. The flooding occurred in the warming Himalayan region, likely triggered by an avalanche from a glacier. Nepal reported 157 deaths, while China's state broadcaster CCTV stated three fatalities and 265 missing individuals in Gyirong County.
Drone footage revealed roads destroyed and buildings buried under thundering water. The steep valleys in the region serve as economic lifelines and travel corridors, but they pose significant risks during disasters. In Nepal's Nuwakot district, second-floor buildings were covered in mud, and debris hung from tree branches. Over 400 people, including 341 foreigners, were reported missing.
The missing included 133 from India on a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, 47 from the United States, 34 from Australia, 33 from Britain, and 24 from Canada. The U.S. State Department acknowledged the plight of Americans affected by the floods. At least 28 Nepali police officials were among the missing. Officials advised residents to avoid the banks of the Trishuli, Bhotekoshi, and Narayani rivers.
Bridges and roads were severely damaged, with 19 bridges and 25 miles of road swept away. The Bhotekoshi river flooded around 9 a.m. on Wednesday, destroying villages and hydropower projects. Nepal's government appealed for assistance from India and China to aid rescue efforts.
Written by urgent.news from The Japan News by The Yomiuri Shimbun's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
