Nepal Flash Floods Leave 95 Dead and Hundreds Missing

Disaster in Rasuwa District

Flash floods have killed at least 95 people in Nepal, with 384 individuals still reported missing. The disaster struck the Rasuwa district near the border with Tibet on Wednesday, where a sudden surge in the Bhotekoshi River caused widespread destruction. The flooding occurred around 9 a.m. local time, destroying roads, several villages, and hydropower projects.

According to Nepal's Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal, the flash flood was caused by an earthquake that triggered a large landslide, which subsequently blocked the Bhote Koshi River. Other reports indicate that an avalanche of ice and rock triggered the massive floods. The Rasuwa district has faced similar events in the past; last year, a glacial lake in neighboring Tibet overflowed due to high temperatures, causing similar flash floods.

Impact on Tourists and Residents

Among the 384 missing persons are 105 Indian nationals. According to authorities, these foreign nationals include 142 Indians, 17 Malaysians, 12 British, eight South Koreans, four South Africans, three Americans, one Australian, and one Dutch national. The nationalities of 111 other missing persons have not yet been ascertained. Most of the missing foreigners were traveling on trips organized by travel and tourism companies.

Severe flooding was reported across several regions north of the capital, Kathmandu, including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, and Gorkha. The majority of the flooding occurred along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers. Local officials have issued warnings to residents in several districts, advising them to stay away from the banks of the Narayani, Trishuli, and Bhotekoshi rivers.

International Relief Efforts

Sasmit Pokharel, a spokesperson for the Nepali government, stated that the government has requested assistance from both China and India to aid rescue efforts. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah to offer support.

"India is prepared to provide Nepal with all possible types of humanitarian assistance," Modi said via social media, adding that teams from both countries are coordinating closely on relief and rescue operations.

In a joint statement, several international entities expressed solidarity with the affected population, including the European Union, Britain, Australia, France, Norway, Finland, and Switzerland. These organizations encouraged residents in the affected areas to follow official safety advisories and the guidance of local authorities as the situation evolves.