Nepal–Tibet Border Flash Flood: Death Toll Rises to 469; More Than 1,400 Missing

Nepal–Tibet Border Flash Flood: Death Toll Rises to 469; More Than 1,400 Missing

The death toll from a devastating flash flood that struck the Nepal–Tibet border region has risen to 469 in Nepal. The disaster has caused widespread destruction across several mountainous areas of Nepal, with a combination of glacial collapse, landslides and rockslides being cited as possible major causes of the sudden flooding.

The sudden surge of floodwaters severely affected several mountainous regions of Nepal. The Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river areas were particularly badly hit, with floodwaters sweeping away homes, roads and bridges and causing extensive damage to critical infrastructure.

According to reports, 469 people have died in Nepal so far. With three additional deaths reported in the Tibet region, the combined death toll across the affected areas has reached 472.

More than 1,400 people are still reported missing. Among those unaccounted for are foreign tourists and mountaineers, including 288 Indian nationals. More than 1,500 people have reportedly been rescued from flood-affected areas so far.

More than 13,000 personnel from the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police are involved in search-and-rescue operations. The rescue effort has been made more difficult by the destruction of around 40 kilometres of roads and more than 40 suspension bridges in the severely affected mountainous areas.

Helicopters and heavy machinery are being used to reach isolated areas and continue rescue operations.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that a temporary lake-like water reservoir has formed in the upper reaches of the Bhotekoshi River due to landslides and accumulated flood debris. Authorities have issued fresh flood warnings to communities living along the riverbanks, amid concerns that the temporary reservoir could breach and release a large volume of water suddenly.

Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to move to safer and higher ground. The potential secondary flood threat has also affected rescue operations in some areas.

Search operations for missing people have been intensified as rescue teams continue to work across the affected regions. Authorities have warned that the number of deaths and missing people could change as rescue teams reach remote areas and more information becomes available.

With the continuing threat of landslides, flooding and possible further surges of water, a tense situation remains in several affected parts of Nepal. Rescue and relief operations are continuing on a large scale.