More than 1,000 missing as Nepal-Tibet floods kill at least 165

Rescue teams are searching for more than 1,000 people after flash floods and landslides struck areas along the Nepal-Tibet border, killing at least 165 people and sweeping away villages.

Nepali police have said that they had recovered 162 bodies as floodwaters and debris moved through communities along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers.

On the Chinese side, state media reported that three people had died while 558 remained missing at the Gyirong Port in Tibet, including 260 foreigners.

The United States (US) Geological Survey said that the disaster was caused by a glacial collapse that triggered debris flow and severe downstream flooding in Nepal and Tibet.

The agency initially recorded the event as a magnitude 4.4 earthquake but later said that analysis of seismic data and satellite imagery showed that no earthquake had occurred.

Rescuers were moving through mud and sludge in affected areas as they searched for survivors, with floodwaters covering the lower levels of buildings.

Nepal’s tourism ministry said that 468 tourists were still unaccounted for a day after the disaster, including 393 foreigners. The tourism board said those missing included nationals from India, Australia, Britain, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Portugal, South Africa, South Korea and the US.

Nepali authorities have not provided a figure for local residents who remain missing.

Environmental historian Ruth Gamble of La Trobe University described the flooding as “like an inland tsunami, travelling nearly 170 kilometres down the Bhote Koshi valley into Central Nepal”.

“It is a popular route for international tourists travelling from Kathmandu to Lhasa,” she added.

David Fisher, Nepal head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), said, “Entire villages and market areas have been wiped out.”

The IFRC said that it was sending emergency supplies including blankets, first aid kits, stretchers and body bags.

On the Chinese side, nearly 800 emergency workers and 150 vehicles were mobilised along with sniffer dogs and speed boats, according to China’s state-run news agency Xinhua.

The disaster first affected Rasuwa in northern Nepal before floodwaters moved downstream through seven districts, reaching Chitwan near the Indian border.

Syabrubesi, a gateway to popular trekking areas, was among the affected locations. The region also attracts pilgrims travelling towards Mount Kailash.

The Nepali Army deployed aircraft for rescue operations and evacuated people from affected areas, while residents living near rivers in danger zones were told to move to safer locations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said that “the most urgent task is doing everything possible to search for and rescue the missing people” according to state broadcaster CCTV.

Traffic authorities in Tibet’s Shigatse also warned that roads in the area were at risk of mudslides and unsafe for passage.

Experts have warned that another flood could occur because a blockage remains upstream in the river along the Nepal-China border.

Scientists have linked the increasing risk of glacial collapses and floods to rising global temperatures and melting glaciers.

Pakistan’s leadership also expressed condolences over the disaster. Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif said that he was deeply saddened by the loss of lives and widespread devastation caused by floods and landslides in Nepal’s Rasuwa district and other affected areas.

“My heartfelt sympathies are with the bereaved families and all those affected by this tragedy. Pakistan stands in solidarity with the Government and people of Nepal during this difficult time,” he said in a post on X.

He also prayed for the safety and well-being of those in the affected areas.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also expressed grief over the deaths and damage caused by the flash floods in Nepal.

“Deeply distressed by the loss of precious lives and widespread damage caused by the flash floods in Nepal. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, wish the injured a speedy recovery, and pray for the safe return of those still missing,” he said in an X post.

“Pakistan stands firmly with the Government and people of Nepal in this difficult hour and remains ready to extend all possible assistance.”