At least 18 people have died and over 380 are counted as missing following severe flash flooding in Nepal’s northern border regions. The flooding hit the Himalayan valleys, leading to widespread devastation. Among the missing, 291 are foreign nationals, with three of them being U.S. citizens, based on information shared by Nepal’s Tourism Board and local tour companies.
The floods massively damaged villages, destroying houses, roads, bridges, and power facilities. Videos shared by regional media and social platforms displayed raging torrents moving through valleys, demolishing infrastructure in their path.
Reports from police indicated a death toll of 18, although the identities and nationalities of the victims remain undisclosed at this time. The flooding commenced in the Bhote Koshi River located in the Rasuwa district, north of the capital, Kathmandu. The neighboring districts, Nuwakot and Dhading, quickly felt the impact of the floods.
Nepali President Ramachandra Paudel expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, emphasizing the need for intensified rescue and relief efforts by the government, political entities, and broader public. He called for urgent action to assist affected communities.
Narendra Pariyar, a district administrator, warned of potentially significant human and material losses. Residents along the Bhote Koshi River banks are encouraged to move to safer, higher ground.
The terrain’s mountainous nature, with its deep valleys and narrow passes, poses significant challenges for rescue operations. Helicopters were unable to land in some affected areas such as Syapru Besi and Timure due to the difficult conditions.
The list of missing foreigners includes 12 British, 142 Indian, 17 Malaysian, four South African, eight South Korean, one Australian, and one Dutch. Authorities are working to determine the identities of the remaining missing individuals. Most were with organized tour groups.
The cause of the flash floods traces back to an earthquake-induced landslide that blocked the Bhote Koshi River, according to Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal. The flooding further damaged key hydropower and transmission facilities, as confirmed by the Nepal Electricity Authority.
Abi Narayan Kafle, Nepal Police spokesperson, mentioned alerting riverside residents and utilizing resources for immediate response efforts. Rescue operations involve coordination with medical teams, scouts, and the Red Cross, as stated by Nepal’s Prime Minister Balen Shah.
India’s government has advised its border states with Nepal to remain highly vigilant in light of the current situation.