Bhotekoshi flood: What we know, what remains unclear

A massive flash flood inundated Nepal's Rasuwa district early Wednesday, causing widespread damage to settlements and infrastructure along the Bhotekoshi river. The disaster has prompted a large-scale search and rescue operation, with authorities still working to determine the full extent of casualties and property loss.

“

around a dozen settlements had been affected, including Syaphrubesi, Betrawati, Mailung, Salletar, Shantibazar, Pairebesi, Khalti Basti, Sole, Trishuli and Battar.

Preliminary reports indicate that market areas, particularly Syaphrubesi, have suffered severe destruction. Nine personnel from the Armed Police Force deployed in Timure, near the Nepal-China border, are reported missing after the floodwaters reached their post. Several police facilities in the affected region were also damaged.

The government has responded by deploying two Nepali Army helicopters for rescue efforts and convened an emergency meeting at the Home Ministry. Prime Minister Balendra Shah has urged residents along the Trishuli river to evacuate to safer areas as the flood moves downstream. Security forces, including the Nepali Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police, have been mobilized, with additional personnel being dispatched from other districts.

“

the Area Police Office in Timure, the police post in Syaphrubesi and the police post at Rasuwagadhi had also been damaged.

The flood originated on the Tibet side of the border and entered the Bhotekoshi river, reaching the Galchhi area of Dhading by Wednesday afternoon. Officials warn of potential disruptions to the Prithvi Highway and the Muglin-Narayanghat road. Key details, including the exact start time of the flood and its trigger, remain unclear, as does the full extent of damage in the hardest-hit areas.

“

the flood entered the Bhotekoshi from the Tibet side of the border and had reached the Galchhi area of Dhading by Wednesday afternoon.