A massive flash flood struck Nepal’s Rasuwa district near the Tibet border on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction along the Bhote Koshi River. Villages, bridges, roads and hydropower infrastructure were damaged as a sudden surge of water swept through the Timure and Syafrubesi areas.
According to preliminary figures from the Nepal Tourism Board, 384 travellers have been reported missing, including 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali citizens. At least 105 Indians and 37 non-resident Indians are among those listed as missing. Several foreign tourists from countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Malaysia, South Africa and the Netherlands are also unaccounted for.
The disaster has severely affected settlements and border infrastructure in Rasuwa. Several bridges and hydropower projects were damaged, while communication and road links were disrupted. Rescue teams from the Nepal Army, police and other agencies have been deployed to search for missing people and provide emergency assistance.
Officials said the flood was linked to a sudden surge in the Bhote Koshi system following a rockslide and related blockage near the Nepal-Tibet border, rather than ordinary rainfall in Rasuwa. Authorities have also warned of the possibility of further flooding.
The disaster has raised concerns in neighbouring India, particularly in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, where authorities have issued alerts along vulnerable river and border areas. India is also coordinating efforts to assist affected Indian nationals in Nepal.
