On August 26, the Himalayan region at the border between northern Nepal and Tibet in China experienced heavy rain and floods, causing damage to roads, bridges, and power infrastructure projects. Both countries’ authorities are preparing for an increasing number of casualties and worsening disaster conditions.
According to data released by the Nepal Tourism Board on the 26th, preliminary statistics show that flash floods have resulted in the disappearance of 384 tourists, including 93 Nepalese tourists and 291 foreign tourists.
In Nepal, houses and roads have been destroyed by floods. The Chinese side stated that after the Jilong border crossing was hit by mudslides, "significant casualties and missing persons" occurred.
Nepalese officials stated that in the mountainous Rasuwa district, which has a population of about 50,000, the river levels in the disaster-stricken areas of Syapru Besi and Timure are significantly higher than normal, making it impossible for rescue helicopters to land.
Surveillance video shows that during the flood, the house collapsed, several cars floated on the water surface, and a metal bridge was washed away by the floodwaters. Witnesses told Reuters that the flood swallowed up the entire village.
Rasuwa County Chief Executive Narendra Pariyar said, “There may be serious casualties or property damage.” Previously, reports indicated that some villages and areas affected by construction projects were destroyed by floods. Pariyar urged residents along the Bhote Koshi River to move to higher ground.
Local medical staff Tula Bahadur BK told Reuters: 'Across the area, there is destruction everywhere. The settlements by the rivers have been completely washed away. Five of my relatives have gone missing.'
Nepal military spokesman Raja Ram Basnet said that until the floods receded, no rescue helicopters in Nepal could land in the disaster area.
It is still unclear what caused this flood.
