Nepal – The number of tourists reported missing in Nepal following the flash floods along the Nepal–Tibet border has surged to 579, according to the latest figures released by Nepal’s police authorities.
The Nepalese government has so far confirmed the recovery of 95 bodies. Meanwhile, 265 people remain missing in Tibet, with nine deaths reported there, according to China’s state broadcaster CCTV.
The flash flood occurred after water levels in the Bhotekoshi River rose sharply in the morning, reportedly due to a sudden surge originating from Tibet. Several areas of Rasuwa were severely affected, with hundreds of houses swept away or destroyed and roads and electricity poles damaged.
The affected areas include Syabrubesi, Betrawati, Mailung, Salletar, Shantibazar, Pairibesi, Khaltibasti, Sole, Trishuli and Bhatta.
A number of people remain missing, including members of Nepal’s Armed Police Force. Eight border security personnel stationed in the Timure area along the Nepal-Tibet border were reported missing after the flood struck at around 9 a.m., according to Armed Police Force spokesperson Abhi Narayan Kafle.
The Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police have launched a joint search and rescue operation. Eight helicopters and other rescue equipment have been deployed to assist the operation.
By Wednesday afternoon, rescuers had recovered 18 people alive and retrieved the bodies of seven victims from different parts of Rasuwa, The Kathmandu Post reported.
Officials at Nepal’s Flood Forecasting Division said preliminary information indicated that a landslide in Tibet had obstructed the flow of the Bhotekoshi River. The accumulated water pressure, combined with a sudden mountain runoff, is believed to have triggered the flash flood.
Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah has reportedly directed authorities to continue rescue and relief operations in the affected areas.
COMMENTS