Flash Flood Devastates Nepal, Killing Eight and Disrupting Power Supply

Nepal deployed helicopters for rescue operations on Sunday after a devastating flash flood surged through villages in the Himalayan nation, claiming at least eight lives and causing widespread damage to infrastructure near the Tibetan border. Authorities reported that roads, bridges, and electricity projects were severely impacted by the deluge.

The floodwaters have disrupted 430 megawatts of electricity supply, representing more than 12% of Nepal's total national hydropower capacity of 3.2 gigawatts. This significant power outage exacerbates the challenges faced by the affected regions. On the Tibetan side, China's Xinhua news agency reported "major casualties" and missing persons in the neighboring county of Gyirong following a mudslide that hit a land crossing between China and Nepal.

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There could be heavy casualties or loss of property. But I cannot say for sure now.

Rescue efforts in Nepal are facing significant obstacles. Officials stated that the waters were too high for helicopters to land in affected areas like Syapru Besi and Timure in the Rasuwa district. District administrator Narendra Pariyar warned of the risk of "heavy casualties or loss of property" and urged residents along the Bhote Koshi river to seek higher ground as nearby villages and infrastructure projects were washed away.

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It all came suddenly. We heard a loud sound, like a volcano erupting. People started to scream and ran away.

Witnesses described the flood's sudden and violent arrival. "It all came suddenly," a witness from the area told the Onlinekhabar portal. "We heard a loud sound, like a volcano erupting. People started to scream and ran away." The cause of the flood remains unclear, though a similar deadly flash flood on the same river last year was linked to the draining of a glacier lake.

The mudslide on the Nepali side also affected China's Gyirong port, cutting off roads, communications, and power in the Shigatse region. President Xi Jinping called for "all-out" search efforts and enhanced monitoring systems to prevent further disasters. Prime Minister Balendra Shah announced that police and military personnel were joining rescue teams and instructed people in lower-lying areas to move to safer locations.

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Instructions have been given ... to move the people living in the lower areas to safer places. People along the river are advised to exercise extra caution and remain alert.