Nepal’s flood-hit areas are facing continued concern after a devastating flash flood swept through the Bhotekoshi River region, but authorities have said there is currently no major threat of another large-scale flood.
Nepal’s flood forecasting division said Thursday’s expected rainfall could cause river levels to rise slightly. However, it does not anticipate a significant new flood in Rasuwa and Nuwakot, two of the worst-affected districts.
The latest disaster followed a powerful flash flood on Wednesday that sent large quantities of mud and debris downstream. Rescue teams have since recovered at least 162 bodies in Nepal, while three deaths have reportedly been recorded on the Tibet side.
There had initially been speculation that an earthquake triggered the disaster. However, the US Geological Survey later said the seismic event was linked to a glacier-related landslide rather than a conventional earthquake. The landslide is believed to have set off the destructive chain of events.
Scientists from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development have warned that debris carried by such floods can accumulate in narrow sections of a river, temporarily blocking water flow. If such a natural blockage collapses, another sudden surge could occur. Despite this concern, Nepalese authorities currently see no indication of a major second flood.
The disaster has also created a serious missing-person crisis. Nearly 1,000 people across Nepal and Tibet remain unaccounted for, including hundreds in Tibet. At least 468 people are reportedly missing in Nepal, among them more than 100 Indian tourists. Citizens from Ukraine, Malaysia, Australia, Britain and South Korea are also among those reported missing.
