- At least 19 people have been killed in Nepal due to a flash flood triggered by an earthquake-induced landslide, with over 380 individuals reported missing, including 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali nationals.
- Chinese leader Xi Jinping has ordered an all-out search and rescue effort following the mudslide that caused major casualties in Tibet's Gyirong county.
- Rescue helicopters are unable to land in the affected areas until the waters recede, complicating rescue efforts.
- Red Cross is deploying emergency teams to assist in the rescue efforts following the devastating flash flood.
- The flash flood was caused by an earthquake that occurred at 8:37 a.m., which triggered a landslide blocking the Bhote Koshi river.
- Gyirong county in Tibet has suffered major casualties due to the mudslide, with local authorities fearing a high number of fatalities.
A flash flood on the Nepal-Tibet border has resulted in at least 31 confirmed deaths and left over 380 individuals missing, including 291 foreign tourists from various countries. The disaster struck on August 26, triggered by a landslide that blocked the Bhote Koshi River, leading to catastrophic flooding on the Nepali side.
Chinese state media reported major casualties in Tibet's Gyirong County, where rescue operations are ongoing. President Xi Jinping has called for all-out efforts to locate the missing and prevent secondary disasters. Roads and communications have been severely impacted, complicating rescue efforts.7
The Nepal Tourism Board confirmed that 384 travelers are unaccounted for, including nationals from India, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia. The flood also affected a hydropower project, leaving 60 workers missing.
Experts suggest the flood may have been exacerbated by an ice rock avalanche from a glacier, while a 4.4-magnitude earthquake was recorded in the region around the same time. Rescue helicopters are currently unable to land in the most affected areas due to high water levels, but military and police teams are mobilizing to assist in the search and rescue operations.46
As the situation develops, both Nepal and China are coordinating their responses to address the humanitarian crisis and ensure the safety of those affected.
“The flood was triggered by an earthquake-induced landslide that blocked the Bhote Koshi river, according to Nepal's foreign minister. Rescue helicopters cannot land until waters recede, and Nepal's army is airlifting survivors from rooftops as the death toll is expected to rise.”
