Nepal hit by devastating floods
At least 22 people have been confirmed dead and hundreds remain missing after massive flash floods swept through parts of Nepal near the Tibet border on Wednesday.
The Bhotekoshi River surged through the Rasuwa region, destroying homes, roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure. The neighbouring districts of Nuwakot and other areas were also affected.
According to Nepal’s Tourism Board, 384 people were reported out of contact, including foreign travellers and local residents. The missing include hundreds of foreign nationals, with Indians among those affected.
Officials said an avalanche or major landslide of ice, rock and mud may have triggered the sudden flood. A preliminary analysis also identified a 4.4-magnitude earthquake shortly before the disaster, although the exact cause remains under investigation.
The flooding caused widespread destruction in communities along the river, with vehicles, bridges and buildings swept away. Several hydropower projects were also damaged, while communications and road access were disrupted.
Nepalese security forces and rescue teams have been deployed to search for missing people and assist affected communities. However, heavy rain, damaged roads and dangerous river conditions have made rescue operations difficult, including limiting helicopter access to some areas.
Authorities have warned residents living near major rivers to move to safer areas as concerns remain over further flooding.
The situation remains developing, and casualty and missing-person figures may change as rescue teams reach more affected areas.
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