A catastrophic flash flood has swept through Himalayan communities in Nepal near the China border, killing at least eight people and leaving hundreds of others unaccounted for as rescue teams race to reach devastated areas.
The disaster struck Rasuwa district early Wednesday after the Bhotekoshi River suddenly surged, sending powerful torrents through villages and damaging homes, roads, bridges and hydropower facilities.
Among those reported missing are hundreds of travelers and pilgrims who were preparing to cross into Tibet. Nepalese officials said as many as 384 tourists were initially reported missing, including people from India, the United States, the United Kingdom and other countries.
The communities of Syapru Besi and Timure were among the hardest hit. Video footage showed muddy floodwaters sweeping through settlements and carrying away vehicles and structures.
Rescue operations have been complicated by the mountainous terrain and damaged infrastructure. Nepal has mobilized its army, police and armed police forces, with helicopters being used to search for survivors and reach isolated communities.
Authorities have urged people living near the Bhotekoshi, Trishuli and other rivers to move to safer ground as concerns remain about additional flooding.
Across the border in Tibet, Chinese authorities also reported major casualties and missing people after a mudslide struck the Gyirong area, disrupting roads, communications and power connections between the two countries.
The cause of the sudden flood remains under investigation. Early reports have pointed to a possible ice-and-rock avalanche or landslide that may have blocked an upstream waterway before a sudden release sent a surge downstream.
The full scale of the disaster remains unclear because rescuers have struggled to access some of the hardest-hit locations. Officials warn that the death toll and number of missing people could rise as search teams reach more areas.
For communities along the Nepal-China border, the immediate priority is finding survivors, restoring access and moving residents away from areas that remain vulnerable to further flooding.
