GUWAHATI: A massive flash flood in Nepal has killed more than 469 people, while nearly 1,500 remain missing after devastating floods struck the country on August 26, particularly in Rasuwa district near the Nepal-China border.
ALSO READ: Guwahati: Normal Traffic Movement Resumes at Jorabat After Floodwater Recedes
Indians account for the largest number of missing foreign nationals, with data from Nepal’s tourism board showing that 178 Indians are reportedly missing. Eleven other Indian nationals have reportedly been rescued. The numbers are subject to change.
The disaster has affected several foreign tourists, including trekkers and Hindu pilgrims travelling towards Mount Kailash in Tibet.
Nepal Police warned of further flooding after receiving information that a water dam on the Tibetan side had burst again. Security personnel, rescue workers and residents were urged to remain alert and move to safer locations.
The Nepal Army temporarily suspended rescue operations for 1 hour and 30 minutes amid the renewed flood threat.
New satellite imagery from Vantor technology showed that the Tibet-Nepal Rasuwagadhi border crossing has been completely destroyed, with floodwaters reportedly scouring the valley floor.
Aerial footage also showed a lake forming and expanding near the Tibet-Nepal border, raising concerns over a possible further dam break.
The Nepali government has also released the names of 500 missing foreign nationals.
Meanwhile, in Tibet, three people have died and more than 550 are missing, although it remains unclear whether these figures overlap with the casualties and missing persons reported in Nepal.
The flash floods swept through the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors, causing widespread destruction and damaging homes, roads, bridges and other infrastructure.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as rescue and relief operations face the risk of further flooding from upstream areas.