A devastating flash flood triggered by an earthquake-induced landslide has swept through the valleys of northern Nepal, leaving at least 22 people dead and more than 380 others missing, including hundreds of foreign tourists. The disaster struck on Wednesday morning, sending violent torrents of water surging through mountain passes and decimating local infrastructure.
According to Nepal's Tourism Board, 291 foreign nationals are among those unaccounted for, most of whom were on trips organized by travel and tourism companies. The missing foreigners include 142 Indian nationals, 17 Malaysian, 12 British, eight South Korean, four South African, three Americans, one Australian, and one Dutch national. The nationalities of 111 other missing individuals have not yet been determined.
The flooding originated in the Bhote Koshi River within the northern Rasuwa district, located north of the capital city of Kathmandu. The sudden surge of water rapidly expanded downstream, affecting the neighboring districts of Nuwakot and Dhading. Nepal's Foreign Minister, Shishir Khanal, explained that the disaster was caused by an earthquake that triggered a massive landslide, which blocked the river and led to the sudden release of water.
The rushing waters caused widespread destruction, slamming into homes, roads, bridges, and power plants. Videos from the region showed powerful torrents tearing down dams and sweeping away buildings. The Nepal Electricity Authority confirmed that six of its major hydropower and transmission facilities sustained damage during the deluge.
Rescue and relief operations face severe challenges due to Nepal's mountainous terrain, which is filled with deep valleys and narrow gorges. Emergency helicopters have been unable to land in the heavily impacted areas of Syapru Besi and Timure. District administrator Narendra Pariyar warned of potentially heavy casualties and property loss, urging residents along the banks of the Bhote Koshi River to move to higher ground.
Nepali President Ramachandra Paudel expressed his grief over the tragedy, stating he was "extremely saddened" by the "loss of lives and property caused by the sudden flood." He called on political parties, government agencies, and the public to ramp up rescue operations. Prime Minister Balen Shah announced on social media that coordination had begun with medical teams, scouts, and the Red Cross to implement emergency measures.
Local law enforcement has mobilized all available resources to assist in the crisis. Nepal Police spokesman Abi Narayan Kafle noted that while the exact scale of the destruction remains unknown, "the flood is big, and it could have damaged many settlements." He confirmed that authorities have been actively alerting riverside residents to relocate. In response to the disaster, the government of neighboring India has placed its states bordering Nepal on high alert.
The Reuters news agency and The Kathmandu Post cited a statement by police putting the death toll at 22, but there was no word on the nationalities of the casualties.
