NewzUDIN DHUNGA, Nepal (AP) — Massive flash floods in Nepal on Wednesday killed at least 22 people and left hundreds of tourists, workers and others missing while causing widespread damage to villages and infrastructure.Officials said 384 tourists, including 291 from countries such as India, the United States, the United Kingdom and Malaysia, were reported missing.The Bhotekoshi River flooded around 9 a.m. local time Wednesday, destroying several villages, roads and hydropower projects, officials said.“We have asked both India and China to help us with the rescue efforts,” said Sasmit Pokharel, a spokesperson for the Nepali government.Dozens of multistoried buildings, trucks, and vans were buried under vast quantities of mud in the district of Nuwakot, one of the worst-affected areas. Officials warned residents in several of Nepal’s districts and asked them to stay away from the banks of the Bhotekoshi, Trishuli, and Narayani rivers.Nepal tourism board officials said most of the missing were likely tourists from India and the Indian diaspora on pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in the Chinese autonomous region of Tibet, a sacred site for Hindus.South Korean government officials said their citizens working on building a hydropower plant in Nepal were among those reported missing.Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry also said its embassy in Kathmandu has received reports from travel agencies that they had lost contact with 11 Malaysians believed to be in the Rasuwa district, which was hit hard by the floods.Meanwhile, Chinese authorities were conducting large-scale search and rescue operations in the Tibetan border area of Gyirong, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
Authorities didn't announce any numbers of dead or injured.Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered authorities to step up the efforts for people missing after the mudslide, state news agency Xinhua reported. Xi also called for residents at risk to be evacuated from any area on the Chinese side.Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah and offered help. “India is prepared to provide Nepal with all possible types of humanitarian assistance.
Our teams are closely coordinating on rescue and relief efforts,” Modi said in a social media post.The same regions affected by Wednesday's disaster saw flash floods similar to those in August last year, when a glacial lake in neighboring Ti… KATHMANDU, Nepal, Aug 26 — At least 384 tourists and travellers, including 291 foreign nationals, have been reported missing after a devastating flash flood swept through Nepal’s northern Rasuwa district near the Tibet border. The Nepal Tourism Board said the preliminary list comprises 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali citizens.
The whereabouts and safety of those listed are still being verified with travel agencies, guides, local authorities and security agencies. At least 17 people have been reported dead as the disaster caused widespread destruction along the Bhote Koshi River. Earlier reports had put the death toll lower as rescue teams continued reaching affected areas and recovering bodies.
Among the foreign nationals reported missing are 105 Indians, as well as travellers from Australia, the Netherlands, the United States, Malaysia, the United Kingdom and South Africa. The flash flood struck the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa on Wednesday morning, sweeping through settlements and damaging roads, bridges, vehicles and hydropower infrastructure. The areas around Timure and Syabrubesi were among those severely affected.
Authorities have warned residents living along the Bhote Koshi, Trishuli and Narayani rivers to remain vigilant amid concerns over further flooding. The disaster has also disrupted access to affected areas, making rescue and recovery operations difficult. Security agencies, the military and other emergency teams are involved in efforts to locate those missing and assess the full extent of the damage.
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