A catastrophic flash flood in Nepal’s Himalayan border region has killed at least 165 people, swept away bridges and homes, and left hundreds missing. Here’s what we know about the disaster, its possible cause, rescue efforts and the impact on Nepal’s hydropower sector.
A massive flash flood has caused widespread devastation in Nepal’s Himalayan border region, killing at least 165 people and leaving hundreds unaccounted for. Rescue teams are facing major challenges as roads, bridges and communication networks have been destroyed across several affected areas.
The disaster began close to the Nepal-China border before rushing downstream with enormous amounts of water, mud and debris. Several villages were inundated, vehicles were swept away and hydropower infrastructure suffered extensive damage.
Authorities in Nepal and China are continuing search-and-rescue operations, but the full scale of the destruction is still being assessed.
What Caused the Deadly Nepal Flash Flood?
The flooding originated near the Lhende River along the Nepal-Tibet border. Initial findings from Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority suggested that a landslide involving ice and rocks triggered a sudden release of water and debris.
Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal told Parliament that seismic activity was detected in Tibet at around 8:37 am local time, with reports of the flash flood emerging roughly three minutes later. This initially led to speculation that an earthquake may have triggered the disaster.
However, the US Geological Survey later indicated that the seismic signal was linked to the collapse of glacial ice and rock rather than a conventional earthquake causing the flooding.
The enormous mixture of water, mud and rocks then entered the Bhote Koshi River before flowing into the Trishuli River near Timure in Rasuwa district.
Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology said rainfall in Rasuwa was not responsible for the sudden flooding.
Which Parts of Nepal Were Worst Hit?
Rasuwa and Dhading were among the hardest-hit districts. Floodwaters then moved downstream, affecting areas including Nuwakot, Chitawan, Gorkha, Tanahu and Nawalparasi East.
The affected region extends from around 70 km to almost 200 km from Kathmandu.
The force of the floodwaters destroyed houses, vehicles, roads and bridges. Officials said 19 motorable bridges were washed away, while the 42-km road linking Betrawati in Nuwakot with the Rasuwagadhi border crossing was also damaged.
Videos from the disaster zone showed powerful currents carrying huge quantities of mud, rocks and debris through populated areas. Several structures were swept away, while vehicles and bridges were also seen being engulfed by the floodwaters.
A local health worker in Rasuwa described the situation as widespread devastation and said several of his relatives were missing.
Nepal Flood Death Toll and Missing Persons
Nepal Police reported that the death toll had reached 162, while hundreds of people remained missing. The numbers could change as rescue teams gain access to isolated locations and authorities verify reports.
On the Chinese side of the border, Chinese state media reported three deaths and 265 missing people, although those figures were still being verified.
Indian nationals have also been affected. Officials said at least 133 Indian citizens and 37 non-resident Indians were reported missing in Nepal.
The disaster occurred along an important route used by pilgrims travelling towards Kailash Mansarovar. The Isha Foundation said 77 of its members who were at an immigration centre were missing, while hundreds of others had returned safely.
Several Indian states have opened helplines to help locate missing residents. Tourists from countries including the US, UK, Malaysia, South Africa, Australia and the Netherlands are also believed to be among those affected.
South Korea separately reported that eight of its nationals working at a hydropower project were missing.
Rescue Operations Face Major Challenges
Nepal has deployed personnel from the Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police to assist with rescue and relief operations.
The Nepal Army deployed 12 helicopters to search for and evacuate stranded people. Initial missions rescued people from Syaphrubesi, Mailung and Dhunche in Rasuwa district.
However, rescue operations have been severely hampered by damaged roads, disrupted communications and power outages. In some locations, helicopters have also struggled to land because of dangerous flood conditions and continuing debris movement.
The Nepal Army has established an emergency medical facility at its Military Training Centre No. 1 in Trishuli. An MI-17 helicopter carrying an Emergency Medical Rescue Team was also sent towards the district hospital in Trishuli.
Officials said around 100 people had been rescued from different locations, while 30 injured or affected people were receiving treatment at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu.
Is Nepal Still Facing a Flood Threat?
Authorities have warned that the immediate danger may not be completely over.
Nepal’s Flood Forecasting Division said a lake created behind a blockage in the river had not yet completely emptied. As a result, areas along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers could remain vulnerable to another surge.
Residents have been advised to stay away from riverbanks and move to safer locations until authorities provide further updates.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority also issued a similar warning, urging people in vulnerable areas to remain alert.
Low-lying communities have been moved to safer locations, while people living near rivers have been asked to closely monitor official warnings.
Hydropower Sector Suffers Heavy Damage
Nepal’s hydropower infrastructure has also taken a major hit from the disaster.
The Independent Power Producers’ Association Nepal said eight operational hydropower projects with a combined generation capacity of 354 MW were damaged. Five more projects that were under construction in Rasuwa and Nuwakot were also affected.
Among the operational facilities reportedly damaged are the 111-MW Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project, 78-MW Sanjen Khola Hydropower Project and 60-MW Upper Trishuli 3A project.
Damage to these facilities, along with destroyed infrastructure, has contributed to electricity and communication disruptions in several parts of the affected region.
India and China Step Up Support
India has offered humanitarian assistance to Nepal following the disaster. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah and assured him of India’s support.
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has been coordinating with Nepalese authorities to assist Indian citizens affected by the floods.
China has also launched rescue operations on its side of the border after the disaster struck the Gyirong border port. Chinese President Xi Jinping instructed authorities to intensify search-and-rescue efforts, evacuate people in danger and provide medical assistance.
Around 145 personnel from the People’s Armed Police were reportedly sent to the affected border region.
The United Nations has also said it is preparing supplies and personnel to support communities affected by the disaster, while South Korea is deploying a rapid-response team.
What Happens Next?
The immediate focus is on finding missing people, evacuating vulnerable residents and restoring road and communication links to isolated communities.
Authorities are also closely monitoring river levels and the blocked section of the waterway for signs of another sudden surge.
Because several areas remain difficult to access, the death toll and number of missing people could rise as rescue teams reach more remote settlements and complete verification.
The disaster has once again highlighted the vulnerability of Nepal’s Himalayan communities to sudden floods, landslides and glacial-related hazards. The Bhote Koshi region had also experienced deadly flooding last year, when at least 10 people were killed in Rasuwa.