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Greek resident describes devastating Nepal flood: 'Everything disappeared in 5 minutes'
🇬🇷 Greece /Disasters & Emergencies

Greek resident describes devastating Nepal flood: 'Everything disappeared in 5 minutes'

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • A Greek resident in Nepal described a catastrophic flood caused by a glacial rock collapse that inundated villages and infrastructure.
  • The floodwaters, described as millions of tons of water, swept away everything in their path, with initial reports suggesting thousands of deaths and missing persons.
  • The exact cause is under investigation, but a 4.4 magnitude earthquake is suspected of triggering the landslide that dammed and then burst a river.

A Greek national living in Nepal has provided a harrowing account of a devastating flood that struck the region, describing how a glacial rock collapse unleashed a torrent of water that obliterated everything in its path. "It happened in 5 minutes. A rock detached from the glacier, causing an entire lake to empty. Millions of tons of water came down and swept away everything in their path," he told MEGA.

The witness described the scale of destruction as immense, with villages, cities, bridges, banks, and schools being flattened. He spoke of thousands of deaths and a large number of missing persons, expressing grave fears for those caught in the massive flood. The Greek Embassy has been contacted, but there is no information yet regarding any Greek citizens affected by the disaster.

It happened in 5 minutes. A rock detached from the glacier, causing an entire lake to empty. Millions of tons of water came down and swept away everything in their path. We are talking about immense destruction, about thousands of deaths already.

— Greek resident in NepalDescribing the speed and scale of the flood that devastated the area.

Coincidentally, the witness had traveled on the same road that was later destroyed just one day prior and was scheduled to cross it again the following morning. "I happened to pass that road yesterday too. I was supposed to cross it this morning, but God's hand must have intervened," he said, visibly shaken.

It swept away everything in its path. Villages, cities, bridges, banks, schools.

— Greek resident in NepalDetailing the widespread destruction caused by the floodwaters.

The death toll has surpassed 100, with fears that the number will rise as rescue operations continue. While the exact cause remains unconfirmed, Nepal's Foreign Minister suggested a 4.4 magnitude earthquake may have triggered the landslide. This landslide reportedly dammed the Bhote Kosi river, leading to the catastrophic flood.

CNN reports described the scene as a "mud tsunami" that tore buildings from their foundations and sent buses flying like "toy cars." The immense force of the water overwhelmed structures, including a five or six-story building, and swept away bridges and vehicles in seconds. The disaster has left people from at least seven different countries missing, including the United States, the United Kingdom, South Africa, India, Australia, and the Netherlands.

I happened to pass that road yesterday too. I was supposed to cross it this morning, but God's hand must have intervened.

— Greek resident in NepalExpressing his shock and sense of fortunate coincidence regarding his safety.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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