Hundreds of travelers missing and heavy destruction in a deadly flood on the Nepal-China border: at least 17 dead
Massive water currents washed away settlements in northern Nepal and knocked multi-story buildings into the river. The water level makes it difficult for rescue helicopters to land in the area. In neighboring Tibet, casualties were also reported, and roads, electricity, and communications were cut off. Among the missing are 291 foreign citizens and 93 Nepalese citizens. 60 workers are missing at a hydroelectric power plant site. Apparently, an earthquake caused a landslide that blocked the river, and the breach of the blockage led to the flood.
A powerful flood hit the northern Nepal and Tibet region on Wednesday, leaving behind heavy destruction, collapsed buildings, and cut-off settlements. At least 17 people have been killed, but authorities fear the death toll will rise further. Almost 400 travelers have been reported missing in the affected areas, including nearly 300 foreign tourists. As of now, there is no information about any Israeli casualties or missing persons.
According to the Nepalese Foreign Minister, an earthquake caused an avalanche, which led to the flood. The intense water currents flooded populated areas, swept away infrastructure, and made it difficult for rescue forces to reach the victims. Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered the deployment of all available forces for search and rescue operations.
Missing Persons
According to an initial estimate published by the Nepal Tourism Board, 384 travelers have been reported missing. Of these, 291 are foreign citizens and 93 are Nepalese citizens. The list includes travelers from India, Australia, the Netherlands, South Africa, the UK, and Malaysia. Authorities emphasize that the data is being verified with tourism companies, local guides, and security forces, so changes in the figures are possible.
Additionally, 60 workers at a hydroelectric project under construction in the Rasuwa area have been reported missing. According to the RSS news agency, concrete work was being carried out inside a tunnel at the site at the time of the flood, which caused heavy damage to the project.
Rescue Efforts and Regional Impact
Search and rescue efforts are being conducted under particularly difficult conditions in the mountainous Rasuwa region. According to a spokesperson for the Nepalese army, rescue helicopters are struggling to land as long as the water level remains high. Nepalese Prime Minister Bhendra Shah stated that police and army forces have joined the rescue teams, and residents in low-lying areas have been ordered to evacuate.
In Tibet, the disaster caused the disconnection of roads, communication lines, and electricity supply in Gyirong County. Chinese Premier Li Qiang instructed government ministries to act in the region, and Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing was sent to Tibet to oversee operations. Authorities have begun moving about 30,000 emergency aid items to the area.
Expert Analysis
Experts from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) believe the flash flood was likely caused by a landslide of ice and rocks originating from a glacier. This blocked the Lahenda Khola River, a tributary of the Bhote Koshi River, creating a temporary dam. When the blockage was breached, a powerful wave of water was released downstream.
The Gyirong border crossing, a strategic trade route between China and Nepal, suffered heavy damage. Authorities have announced that roads leading to the crossing will be closed for seven days to all but emergency vehicles.
