Massive flash floods struck a border area between Nepal and Tibet, resulting in the tragic deaths of over 160 individuals and leaving numerous tourists, including 24 Canadians, workers, and others missing as they swept through communities, disrupting travel in several regions. Nepalese authorities confirmed 162 fatalities, while China’s state media reported at least three deaths and over 558 individuals missing in Tibet’s Gyirong county by early Thursday, with 260 of them being foreign nationals.
The devastating event occurred when the Bhotekoshi River flooded around 9 a.m. local time on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction to villages, roads, and hydropower projects, as per Nepali officials. They issued warnings to residents across multiple districts, advising them to stay away from the banks of the Bhotekoshi, Trishuli, and Narayani rivers. The Nepali government spokesperson, Sasmit Pokharel, mentioned seeking assistance from both India and China for rescue operations.
Sunil Sharma from the Nepal Tourism Board revealed that 403 individuals, including 341 foreign nationals, were reported missing, with 24 Canadians among them. Nepal’s ambassador to Canada later confirmed the information regarding the missing Canadians. The affected area is popular among hikers and pilgrims, said Bharat Raj Paudyal in an interview with CBC News.
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his sorrow over the flash flood, urging all Canadians in the region to register with the ROCA system promptly and assuring support from Canada. Global Affairs Canada acknowledged the impact on Canadians and mentioned challenges in establishing communication due to power outages.
Security footage from the Chinese side of the Nepal-Tibet border captured people fleeing before a landslide struck, destroying buildings and vehicles. Sharma noted that among the missing are 133 Indian nationals on a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, along with individuals from the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. South Korea and Malaysia also reported citizens missing.
Nepal police reported that 28 police officials were unaccounted for. The disaster’s aftermath in the Nuwakot district showed buildings covered in mud, vehicles buried, and survivors in distress. Initial assessments suggested that a glacier collapse triggered the floods, with the U.S. Geological Survey attributing the tremor to glacial rock and ice movements.
Efforts to rescue those missing were underway, with international support mobilizing. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged assistance, emphasizing the need for coordinated rescue and relief operations. The region’s vulnerability to climatic events, exacerbated by climate change, heightens the urgency for early warning systems and adaptive measures.
The tragic incident highlights the fragility of the Himalayan region, emphasizing the pressing need for climate resilience and disaster preparedness to mitigate future catastrophes.