Flash Floods Sweep Away Hundreds of Tourists in Nepal, Death Toll Exceeds 300
NEPAL: A sudden and devastating flash flood and landslide along the Nepal-Tibet border has caused widespread destruction, killing more than 300 people and leaving hundreds of tourists missing.
According to Nepal’s Tourism Board, the death toll has surpassed 300, while hundreds of tourists remain unaccounted for. More than 100 Indian nationals and 12 British citizens are reportedly among the missing.
CCTV footage emerging from Tibet shows a massive surge of water and mud crashing into buildings at a border crossing, causing extensive destruction.
Images from Nepal also showed people running toward safer locations as floodwaters suddenly swept through affected areas.
Nepal’s Foreign Minister expressed concern that the disaster may have been triggered by an earthquake followed by an avalanche. However, investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the incident.
The severity of the situation in Tibet can be gauged from the fact that Chinese President Xi Jinping personally issued instructions regarding the disaster. Chinese authorities have directed officials to accelerate rescue operations and provide all possible assistance to those affected.
The disaster is being described in Nepal as the country’s worst catastrophe since the devastating 2015 earthquake, which claimed nearly 9,000 lives.
Authorities said the biggest challenges facing rescue teams include difficult mountainous terrain, adverse weather conditions and limited access to areas affected by the floods.
Rescue teams are continuing efforts to locate missing tourists and other victims, while officials have warned that the death toll could rise further as search operations continue.
