Daijiworld Media Network - Rasuwa
Rasuwa, Aug 26: A massive flash flood swept through Nepal’s Rasuwa district near the Tibet border on Wednesday morning, washing away villages and project sites and raising fears of significant loss of life.
The flooding reportedly struck around 9 am local time following a sharp rise in the water level of the Bhote Koshi River, which originates on the Tibetan side. Authorities urged residents living along riverbanks to immediately move to safer and higher ground.
Preliminary reports suggest that around 1,000 people may have been swept away in the floods. However, the figure has not been officially confirmed, and the exact number of casualties remains unclear as rescue and relief operations continue.
The mountainous areas of Syapru Besi and Timure in Rasuwa district have been severely affected. Villages and project sites in the region bordering Tibet were reportedly washed away, while extensive damage has been reported.
Nepal Police said the flash flood was triggered by the massive rise in the Bhote Koshi River. Authorities have also issued warnings to people living in districts along the Trishuli River basin, including Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitwan and Gorkha, asking them to remain vigilant and stay in safe locations until further notice.
Rescue and relief teams are currently working in the affected areas, assessing the extent of the destruction and searching for people who may have been swept away by the fast-moving waters.
The difficult mountainous terrain and damaged infrastructure are expected to pose challenges to rescue operations. Officials have stressed that the situation remains serious and that further details on casualties and damage will emerge as emergency teams gain access to affected areas.
Amid the devastation, Prime Minister Balen Shah has called an emergency meeting of the National Disaster Management Council to review the situation and coordinate relief efforts.
His adviser Asim Shah said the prime minister is in direct contact with chief district officers in the affected areas and is closely monitoring the situation.