UDIN DHUNGA, Nepal (AP) — Flash floods in a border area of Nepal and China on Wednesday resulted in at least 160 fatalities and left hundreds of individuals, including tourists and workers, unaccounted for. The floods swept through communities, disrupting travel in several regions. Experts indicated that an avalanche from a glacier was likely the cause of the flooding in the warming Himalaya region.
Nepalese police reported at least 157 deaths, while China's state broadcaster CCTV reported three fatalities and 265 missing individuals in Gyirong County, Tibet, near the border. Drone footage revealed significant destruction, with roads and buildings buried under debris. The state news agency Xinhua reported substantial casualties.
The region's steep valleys serve as economic lifelines and travel routes, but they are vulnerable to disasters. Images depicted the aftermath in Nepal's Nuwakot district, where mud covered the second floors of buildings. Debris was seen hanging from tree branches and wires, while vehicles were buried.
Residents had little time to evacuate. "When I reached Dhunge bazaar, in half an hour, the flood came and damaged all the market. People were preparing to go to office then," said local resident Shoyam Rajbhandari.
Officials in Nepal reported 403 individuals missing, including 341 foreign nationals. Sunil Sharma, a spokesperson for the tourism board, noted that 133 missing individuals were from India, who were on pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in Tibet. Additionally, 47 individuals from the United States, 34 from Australia, 33 from Britain, and 24 from Canada were reported missing. The U.S. State Department acknowledged awareness of Americans affected by the floods.
At least 62 missing Nepali citizens were among those trekking in the Gosaikunda Lake area in the Rasuwa district, coinciding with the local festival of Janai Purnima. Despite the current monsoon season being less favorable for trekking, it is a significant time for Kailash trekking, which follows a route in Nepal’s Rasuwa district.
Nepal police spokesperson Abi Narayan Kafle informed The Associated Press that at least 28 police officials were also unaccounted for. Officials cautioned residents in several districts to avoid the banks of the Trishuli, Bhotekoshi, and Narayani rivers. Reports indicated that at least 19 bridges and nearly 40 kilometers (25 miles) of road were swept away. The Bhotekoshi River flooded around 9 a.m. Wednesday, destroying several villages and hydropower projects.
Nepal's government spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel stated, "We have asked both India and China to help us with the rescue efforts."
The U.S. Geological Survey initially reported a magnitude 4.4 earthquake early Wednesday, approximately 66 kilometers (41 miles) north of Kathmandu, near the border. This was later updated to a 5.2 magnitude landslide.
Countries expressed concern over their missing citizens. South Korean officials reported that nine citizens working on a hydropower plant in Nepal were among the missing. Malaysia’s foreign ministry indicated that its embassy received reports of 11 Malaysians believed to be in Rasuwa district who had lost contact. Russia’s embassy in Nepal stated that four of its citizens reportedly in the affected area were missing.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi communicated with Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah, offering assistance. Modi stated on social media, "India is prepared to provide Nepal with all possible types of humanitarian assistance. Our teams are closely coordinating on rescue and relief efforts."
Some United Nations bodies are deploying resources to address what is expected to be a significant humanitarian need, according to U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.
In a joint statement, Australia, Britain, the European Union, Finland, France, Norway, and Switzerland expressed solidarity with the people of Nepal, urging those in affected areas to heed local authorities' guidance and safety advisories as the situation develops.
Climate experts at the Kathmandu-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development suggested that an avalanche from a glacier likely caused the flash flood. They noted that hydrological observations indicated the exceptional speed and magnitude of the flood wave, with water levels at one point on the Trishuli River rising by as much as nine meters (27 feet) in half an hour.
The Lhende Khola River, a tributary of the Bhotekoshi, experienced maximum flooding. Saswata Sanyal, a disaster risk reduction specialist at the climate research group, stated, "The Lhende Khola has flooded twice in 14 months, this time triggered by an ice rock avalanche from a glacier on the Nepal side that blocked the river and released a sudden surge downstream." He emphasized the importance of early warnings in the context of a warming Himalaya.
The region experienced similar flash floods in August of the previous year.