Hundreds Missing After Devastating Nepal Floods
Ice Avalanche Suspected as 12 Britons Among the Unaccounted; Infrastructure Decimated
Carla Rooney
Hundreds of tourists are missing following devastating floods in Nepal.
The Bhote Koshi river, originating in Tibet, empties into Nepal's Trishuli river before flowing into India as the Gandak river. Syapru Besi and Timure in the Rasuwa district suffered severe damage; entire bridges and buildings were decimated by the flooding.
Mudslides in Tibet reportedly severed roads, communications, and power links near Gyirong port. Officials in Tibet fear "major casualties"; some individuals remain missing in Gyirong county after a mudslide hit a land crossing.
Eight South Korean workers at a hydropower plant are missing; 10 others remain stranded. Thirteen officers from the armed police force are also reportedly missing from two posts within the Rasuwa district.
Rasuwa experienced deadly flooding last year, killing 18 people after a glacier burst on the Chinese side of the border. Nepal has deployed 14 helicopters and disaster response teams for rescue and relief efforts; search and rescue operations are currently underway.
430 MW of electricity supplies have been affected, mostly from hydroelectric projects. The Nepal Tourism Board is working to verify the whereabouts and safety status of those traveling through the region.
Authorities in both Nepal and China braced for more casualties and worse damage. Balendra Shah confirmed instructions have been given to move people living in lower areas to safer places, advising, "People along the river are advised to exercise extra caution and remain alert."
People along the river are advised to exercise extra caution and remain alert.
Narendra Pariyar stated, "There could be heavy casualties or loss of property."
There could be heavy casualties or loss of property.