Rasuwa: Nepal's trekking gateway devastated by deadly floods

KATHMANDU: A deadly flash flood struck Rasuwa, a picturesque region along the Nepal-China border, leaving at least 162 people dead and many more missing, including a significant number of Malaysians. The disaster severely damaged infrastructure, complicating efforts to locate survivors. Rasuwa, known for its stunning mountainous landscapes and trekking routes, has become a tragic scene of devastation.

The exact trigger of the flood is still under investigation, but experts suggest a glacier collapse may have been the cause. Satellite imagery revealed a glacier broke off near 5,200m, smashing into the valley floor 1,200m below. This event could have been exacerbated by the melting of snow in the preceding 24 hours, possibly due to warmer conditions, though the role of climate change is not yet clear.

Among the victims, 341 foreigners are still missing, with 54 Malaysians unaccounted for. The Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu is collaborating with Nepalese authorities to trace those missing. However, communication difficulties and damaged roads have hampered the rescue and search operations.