Nepal deploys helicopters after flash floods kill dozens and leave hundreds missing

Kathmandu, Nepal. Nepal deployed helicopters on Wednesday to support rescue operations after flash floods swept away villages, roads, bridges and power infrastructure along its border with Tibet. Local media reported that 55 bodies had been recovered, while authorities warned that the death toll could rise significantly.

Cause of the flooding

Foreign Minister Sisir Khanal told parliament that an earthquake early on Wednesday triggered a landslide that blocked the Bhote Koshi river, causing the flood.

The US Geological Survey recorded a magnitude 4.4 earthquake in the area at the time cited by Khanal. Separately, Reuters reported that officials suspected the earthquake triggered an ice-rock avalanche on the Lhende Khola river, which flows through Nepal and Tibet.

Missing travellers and workers

Reuters reported that at least 384 travellers were missing, including 105 Indian nationals, 93 Nepalis, 12 British nationals, three US citizens, 17 Malaysians, eight South Koreans working on a hydropower plant, four South Africans, and one person each from Australia and the Netherlands.

Nepali state media reported that 60 workers were missing at the 20-megawatt Langtang Khola hydropower project in Rasuwa district, near the border with China. The flood struck while concrete work was being carried out inside a tunnel, severely damaging the site.

Rescue operations in Rasuwa

The situation was most severe in the Syapru Besi and Timure areas of Rasuwa district, home to about 50,000 people. Officials said rescue helicopters had been unable to land because the Bhote Koshi river had risen far above its usual banks.

“There could be heavy casualties or loss of property,” district administrator Narendra Pariyar told Reuters, urging residents along the riverbanks to move to higher ground.

Impact in Tibet

Chinese officials separately expressed concern over “major casualties” after a mudslide struck a border crossing in Gyirong county, Tibet.