Severe floods that struck several villages in Nepal have claimed the lives of at least eight people. Authorities have also deployed helicopters to support search-and-rescue operations.
Roads, bridges and energy infrastructure have sustained significant damage, particularly in areas near the border with Tibet. The situation remains critical, while authorities warn that the death toll could rise.
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In Siapru Besi and Timure, part of the mountainous Rasuwa sector, floodwaters have reached levels that have made it impossible for helicopters to land. Residents along the Bhote Kosi River have been urged to evacuate and move to higher ground.
Narendra Pariyar, the sector commander, said there could be further casualties and extensive property damage. Meanwhile, rescue teams are working to assess the situation on the ground.
A witness from the area said the incident happened suddenly. He said residents initially heard a powerful explosion before people began screaming and running away.
Nepalese police and the military are involved in the search-and-rescue operations. Authorities have also ordered people in low-lying areas to relocate to safer places.
According to Nepal’s Ministry of Energy, the floods have affected around 430 megawatts of electricity generation, mainly due to damage to hydropower plants.
Across the border in Tibet, casualties and missing people have also been reported following a landslide at a crossing point between China and Nepal.
China’s state-run Xinhua news agency reported that the landslide struck the Girong area. As a result, roads, communications networks and the electricity supply were damaged in Shigatse district.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for maximum efforts to locate and rescue those missing. He also called for early-warning systems to be strengthened in order to prevent further disasters.
The exact cause of the flooding has yet to be determined. However, the Bhote Kosi River was also hit by a powerful flood last year, leaving nine people dead and 24 missing. A regional climate-monitoring agency concluded that the disaster was caused by the outburst of a large glacial lake in Tibet.
