Flash flood in Nepal kills 16, leaves 400 pilgrims missing near China border

At least 16 people have died and nearly 400 pilgrims are missing after a flash flood swept through villages near Nepal's border with Tibet. The sudden deluge, which occurred early Wednesday, has also damaged roads and infrastructure, severely impacting the region.

Authorities confirmed 16 fatalities, but officials fear the number will climb as search and rescue efforts continue. Bashu Kumar Adhikari, general director of Touch Kailash Travels, reported that contact has been lost with 390 pilgrims who were en route to Tibet for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. "Most are Indians. Their identities have not yet been verified," Adhikari stated.

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Most are Indians. Their identities have not yet been verified.

The floodwaters surged from the Tibetan side into the Bhote Koshi River around 9:15 a.m. local time, hitting the districts of Rasuwa, Timure, Rasuwagadhi, and Syabrubesi with particular force. Six army helicopters and eight private choppers have been deployed for search and rescue operations. "It is difficult to assess the damage at this moment, but it is possible that both the damage and the number of victims will be considerable," said Rajaram Basnet, a spokesperson for the Nepalese Army.

The disaster has disrupted one of the main land routes between Nepal and Tibet. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a significant pilgrimage for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains, drawing thousands of travelers annually to the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet.

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It is difficult to assess the damage at this moment, but it is possible that both the damage and the number of victims will be considerable.