Nepal Flash Floods Kill 8, Damage Villages
At least eight people have died after a massive flash flood swept through Nepal’s mountainous Rasuwa district near the Tibet border on Wednesday, damaging villages, roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure. Rescue teams have been deployed, while officials have warned residents along the Bhote Koshi River to move to safer, higher ground as the situation remains dangerous.
Nepal Flash Floods Hit Rasuwa District
The flash flood struck areas including Syapru Besi and Timure, sending large volumes of water through settlements along the Bhote Koshi River. Several villages and infrastructure project sites were reportedly washed away, while roads and bridges suffered extensive damage.
Authorities have warned that the casualty toll could rise as rescue teams work to reach affected areas. Helicopters have been deployed for relief operations, but high water levels have prevented them from landing in some locations.
Rescue Operations Underway After Flash Flood
Nepal’s police, Army and Armed Police Force have joined rescue and relief efforts under government direction. Residents living near the river have been urged to remain alert and relocate to safer areas because of the risk of further flooding.
The cause of the sudden inundation has not yet been conclusively established. Authorities are continuing to assess the extent of the damage and search for people who may be missing.
430 MW Hydropower Capacity Affected
The flooding has also disrupted Nepal’s power infrastructure, with around 430 MW of electricity capacity affected, largely involving hydropower projects. The impact represents more than 12% of Nepal’s installed hydropower capacity.
Across the border, a mudslide in Tibet’s Gyirong area has also caused major disruption to roads, communications and power infrastructure, with casualties and missing people reported. Search, rescue and monitoring operations are continuing in both areas.
