A sudden and devastating flash flood in Nepal’s Rasuwa district has triggered a major search-and-rescue operation, with at least 16 people confirmed dead and 384 travellers reported missing. The disaster struck along the Bhote Koshi River near the Nepal-Tibet border, sweeping away homes, vehicles, bridges and infrastructure in a matter of minutes.
The missing-person list includes at least 105 Indian travellers, according to preliminary information being compiled by Nepalese authorities. Officials are working to verify the identities and whereabouts of those reported missing, as communication with several affected areas remains difficult.
The flash flood struck the border region on Wednesday, sending a massive surge of water through settlements and project sites along the river. Several hydropower projects and other construction sites were affected, while roads and bridges were damaged, making access to the disaster-hit areas difficult.
The scale of the disaster has prompted Nepal to deploy a major emergency response. The Nepal Army has mobilised 14 helicopters along with disaster response teams to search for missing people, evacuate those stranded and deliver relief supplies to areas cut off by the flooding.
Search for missing travellers intensifies
Authorities are working with travel agencies, tour operators, local guides and security agencies to establish the whereabouts of tourists and other travellers who were in the region when the flood struck.
The number of people listed as missing is still being verified, and officials have cautioned that the figures could change as information from remote areas becomes available.
The large number of Indian nationals among those reported missing has also raised concern in India. Indian authorities are coordinating with their Nepalese counterparts to establish the safety of Indian citizens in the affected region and provide assistance to families seeking information.
Border region badly hit
Rasuwa, located in northern Nepal, is a mountainous district bordering Tibet and is known for its trekking routes, tourism activity and hydropower projects. The Bhote Koshi River runs through the region before entering Nepal from Tibet.
The sudden rise in the river overwhelmed areas along its course, damaging critical infrastructure and leaving several locations difficult to reach. The rugged terrain and damaged road network have added to the challenges facing rescue teams.
With helicopters being used to reach isolated areas, authorities are continuing aerial and ground searches for survivors and those still unaccounted for.
For families waiting for news of relatives travelling through Nepal, the immediate priority remains establishing who is safe and who may still be trapped in the flood-hit region. Rescue agencies are expected to continue operations as access to affected areas improves and the list of missing persons is verified.