Nepal flash flood washes away villages, project sites near Tibet border

A devastating flash flood in Nepal has inundated villages and washed away project sites in the Rasuwa district, a region bordering Tibet. Authorities are issuing urgent warnings of potentially significant casualties and urging residents living near the Bhote Koshi river to seek safety on higher ground.

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We have reports of villages and infrastructure project sites being washed away.

District administrator Narendra Pariyar confirmed that areas like Syapru Besi and Timure have been severely impacted. "We have reports of villages and infrastructure project sites being washed away," Pariyar told Reuters, adding that immediate estimates of casualties or property losses are not yet available. He expressed concern, stating, "There could be heavy casualties or loss of property."

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There could be heavy casualties or loss of property.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah announced that rescue and relief operations are underway, with police and military personnel deployed to the affected regions. "Instructions have been given... to move the people living in the lower areas to safer places," Shah stated. The government issued a statement advising people along the river to "exercise extra caution and remain alert."

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Instructions have been given ... to move the people living in the lower areas to safer places.

The Bhote Koshi river originates in Tibet and flows into Nepal, eventually merging with India's Gandak river. Last year, a flood in the same river resulted in nine deaths and 24 disappearances, also destroying the Friendship Bridge that connects Nepal and China, disrupting trade for months. That flood was reportedly triggered by the draining of a glacial lake in Tibet.

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People along the river are advised to exercise extra caution and remain alert.