What happened: flash flood, deaths, missing people, and damage

Nepal’s Bhotekoshi River system experienced a major flash flood that swept through villages in Rasuwa district, near the Nepal–China border (Tibet). Nepalese authorities reported at least 157 deaths and more than 400 missing or unreachable people.

Nepal’s Prime Minister’s office reported people out of contact in different categories: 391 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali citizens were reported out of contact. Nepal’s Prime Minister’s office also indicated that 133 Indian nationals were among the missing or unreachable people. The Prime Minister’s office further reported that some security personnel and workers associated with hydropower projects were also unreachable.

Nepalese police reported recovery of 157 bodies. Search and damage assessment continued, and authorities indicated that final numbers could increase. The flash flood destroyed road and bridge infrastructure, including damage to a bridge near the Nepal–China border.

Background and earlier position: landslide trigger and river-hazard pathway

Nepal’s disaster-risk agency attributed the flash flood to a rock-and-ice landslide on the Nepal–China border. The agency’s attribution was supported by preliminary satellite imagery that was consistent with a rock-and-ice slide producing debris.

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