Hundreds Missing and Many Feared Dead After Massive Flash Flood Hits Nepal-Tibet Border

Hundreds are missing and many other have died after torrential floods ⁠hit the Himalayan border areas of ⁠Nepal and in ​Tibet in China.

Houses, roads, bridges and power projects were swept away ⁠in Nepal while officials in Tibet said they feared “major casualties” with some missing in the county of Gyirong after a mudslide hit a land crossing between the neighbours.

The flood surged through the Bhote Koshi River at around 9 am (local time), reportedly coming from the direction of Tibet.

An initial assessment suggests that an ice avalanche blocked the Lhende river, triggering the sudden flood in the Bhote koshi river.

Officials said 384 tourists, including 291 from countries including India, the United States, the United Kingdom and Malaysia, were reported missing.

However, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that there have been no reports so far of any Sri Lankan tourists being affected by the incident.

The Nepal Army said 14 helicopters and disaster response teams have been deployed for rescue and relief.

However, rescue helicopters could not land in Nepal’s affected areas of ⁠Syapru Besi and Timure in the mountainous district of Rasuwa, with a population of about 50,000, with the river flowing above ​its normal course.

Television broadcast images of crumbled homes in the flood waters, floating cars and a metal bridge being washed away, while witnesses told Reuters the waters engulfed entire villages.

Several areas downstream of the Bhote Koshi river, which flows from Tibet to Nepal, are on high alert and roads, communications and power in the region have been disrupted. The authorities say the main road to Kathmandu is closed.

The Prime Minister's Office has said that Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police personnel have been deployed in Rasuwa and surrounding areas to intensify efforts for rescue and relief activities in view of the devastating flood.

Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said the flood may have been caused by an earthquake that triggered the avalanche, resulting in flash floods. 

The US Geological Survey further reported a minor earthquake of magnitude 4.4 about 25 km north of the Nepal-Tibet border.

Nepal’s energy ministry said 430MW of electricity supplies were affected, mostly from hydroelectric projects.

Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered an all-out search and rescue effort, as Chinese state media reports major casualties on the Tibetan side of the Nepal border, from the flash flood.