At least 98 people have died and 133 Indians are still missing after massive flash floods hit Nepal’s northern Rasuwa district near the Tibet border on Wednesday. More than 400 people were reported missing overall.
The floods caused widespread destruction, washing away homes, vehicles, roads, bridges and other infrastructure. Security footage from the Chinese side showed a huge wave of mud, rocks and water sweeping through the area and destroying buildings.
The exact cause of the disaster is still unclear. The German Research Centre for Geosciences recorded a 4.4-magnitude earthquake about seven minutes before the time shown on the security footage, raising the possibility that it may have triggered an avalanche or landslide.
MASSIVE DESTRUCTION IN RASUWA
The areas around Timure and Syapru Besi were among the worst affected after the Bhote Koshi river suddenly surged with water from the Tibetan side.
Timure Bazaar and the nearby customs area were badly damaged. The newly rebuilt Friendship Bridge at Rasuwagadhi was also washed away.
Three Nepal Police facilities were damaged, while nine Armed Police Force personnel in Timure were reported missing.
The floods also damaged hydropower facilities, roads and bridges. Nepal's Energy Ministry said around 430 MW of electricity supply was affected, more than 12% of the country's total installed hydropower capacity.
RESCUE OPERATIONS FACE DIFFICULTIES
Nepal Army helicopters were sent to the affected areas, but high water levels prevented them from landing in Timure and Syapru Besi.
The Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force are carrying out search and rescue operations, while authorities have warned people living near the Trishuli and Bhote Koshi rivers to move to safer areas.
As the flood moves downstream, water levels have also risen near Narayani Devghat. Bihar has increased its monitoring because the river system eventually flows into India as the Gandak.
FLOODS ALSO HIT TIBET
On the Chinese side, a mudslide struck Gyirong county and Gyirong Port, damaging roads and cutting communication and power links.
Footage from the area showed people running as a huge wall of mud and water swept through the valley. The immigration building used by pilgrims travelling towards Mansarovar was also reportedly hit.
Chinese authorities have launched search operations after reporting deaths and missing people.
With rescue teams still struggling to reach some areas and floodwaters continuing downstream, officials remain on high alert. The number of casualties and missing people could increase as more areas are assessed.
