20 killed, 400 missing in Nepal flash flood

At least 20 people have been killed and around 400 are missing after a sudden flash flood in the Bhotekoshi River along the Nepal-Tibet border. Among the missing are 105 Indian citizens, at least 291 foreigners, and 93 Nepali nationals.

The natural disaster struck Rasuwa district, north of Nepal's capital Kathmandu, early on Wednesday, August 26. Following the incident, the Nepal Tourism Board said on social media platform X that search and rescue operations were underway to ensure the safety of tourists and locals in the area.

According to the Tourism Board, the 291 missing foreigners include 105 Indians, 37 Indian-origin expatriates, 17 Malaysians, 12 Britons, four South Africans, three Americans, one Australian and one Dutch citizen. The identities of another 111 foreign nationals are yet to be confirmed.

Nepal's Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal told parliament that preliminary information indicates an earthquake struck the area at 8:37am local time. The massive flash flood is believed to have been caused by a glacial collapse triggered by the earthquake.

He also said the incident caused extensive damage not only in Nepal but also in neighbouring Chinese border areas. The two countries are working jointly to manage the situation.

Twenty-six Nepali police personnel, nine armed police personnel and 44 army personnel are missing in the incident. Several officials from the local customs and immigration departments are also missing, the foreign minister said.

Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts have been the worst affected by the flash flood. Various infrastructure, road networks, bridges, power plants and telecommunication systems have been damaged or destroyed. Rescue operations are ongoing to locate the missing.