Nepal flash flood death toll rises to 95

The death toll from the sudden flash flood in Nepal's border district of Rasuwa has risen to 95. A massive amount of water suddenly rushed down from Tibet, China's autonomous region, through the Bhote Koshi River on Wednesday morning, crashing into densely populated areas. Many people, houses and vehicles were swept away within moments by the torrent of water and mud.

The Associated Press, quoting officials, reported that 95 people have died in the disaster so far. Indian media outlet NDTV reported that nearly 400 pilgrims heading to the Hindu holy site of Kailash-Mansarovar are missing. Among the missing are approximately 140 Indian citizens. Citizens of South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States are also on the missing list.

Nepal's army said 14 helicopters and hundreds of rescuers have been deployed to the affected areas. Rasuwa district and the neighbouring Syafrubesi area have been the worst hit. Countless houses and vehicles have been swept away by the floodwaters.

Kathmandu University professor and climate researcher Rijan Bhakta said preliminary investigations found evidence of an ice collapse in the Lende River. This blocked the normal flow of the river, causing water to accumulate. Later, that water suddenly rushed down towards Nepal through the Bhote Koshi River.

According to him, a 4.4-magnitude earthquake occurred in Tibet around 9am on Wednesday, around the time the flash flood waters descended into Nepal. It is believed that the earthquake dislodged accumulated ice, causing the river water to rush down all at once.

The researcher told Kantipur TV that this information about the ice collapse and earthquake was initially obtained from Chinese scientists. Rescue teams continue to search for the missing and rescue those affected in the disaster-hit areas.

Sources: PTI, Kathmandu Post, AFP