At least 17 people have lost their lives after powerful floods swept through Nepal and several areas of Tibet in China. The disaster has destroyed homes and roads, while severely damaging bridges and power infrastructure.
Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Sisir Kanaal, said the flooding was caused by an earthquake that triggered a massive landslide. The landslide blocked the Bhote Koshi River and subsequently caused it to overflow its banks.
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During a meeting in the House of Representatives, Kanaal said the earthquake was recorded at 8:37 a.m. “The earthquake occurred today at 8:37 a.m., and because of it a major landslide occurred, which blocked the river, and it appears that this caused the flooding,” he said.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed that an earthquake measuring 4.4 in magnitude had been recorded in the area at the same time.
Authorities have warned that the death toll could rise significantly. Chinese officials have also expressed concern about “heavy losses.”
In Nepal, the waters have destroyed homes and roads, while in Tibet, people are reported missing in Gyirong County. A landslide also struck a border crossing between the two countries.
Officials said that 384 tourists are missing, including 291 foreign nationals from India, the United States, the United Kingdom and Malaysia.
Among the worst-affected areas are Syapru Besi and Timure, in the mountainous Rasuwa District, where around 50,000 people live. Rescue operations have been hampered because helicopters cannot land due to the high water level of the river, which has risen far above its normal level.
Television footage showed homes swept away by the current, vehicles floating in the water and a metal bridge pulled away by the force of the current. Witnesses told Reuters that the floods had submerged entire villages.
District administrator Narendra Pariyar warned that there could be many casualties and extensive material damage. He urged residents living near the banks of the Bhote Koshi River to move to higher ground.
