Flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border have killed at least 95 people and left hundreds missing, including more than 380 tourists, after a torrent of mud, water and debris burst from a river dividing the two neighbours.
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Key facts
- At least 95 people have died and hundreds are missing after flash floods hit border areas of Nepal and Tibet, China.
- More than 380 tourists are among those unaccounted for.
- Homes, roads, bridges and power plants were swept away in Nepal.
- Officials in Tibet feared 'major casualties' with some missing in Gyirong county after a mudslide.
- Nepal's army and police force have joined rescue efforts.
Torrential flooding in the Himalayan border areas of Nepal and Tibet in China has killed at least 95 people and left hundreds missing, according to the Guardian. Officials in both countries have been bracing for further casualties as rescue efforts continue.
The disaster was caused by a torrent of mud, water and debris that burst from the banks of a river running between China and Nepal. Homes, roads, bridges and power plants were swept away in Nepal, while officials in Tibet said they feared ‘major casualties’.
More than 380 tourists are among those unaccounted for, the Guardian reported. Officials also warned that areas of India were at risk from the flooding.
Earlier reports on the day of the disaster put the death toll at nine, with officials in the Tibetan county of Gyirong reporting people missing after a mudslide struck a land crossing between the neighbours. The toll rose sharply as the scale of the destruction became clearer.
Nepal’s army and police force have joined rescuers searching for the hundreds of people still missing, according to Al Jazeera. The floods destroyed key infrastructure including roads and bridges, complicating access to affected areas.
Authorities in both Nepal and China remained on alert for additional casualties as search and rescue operations pressed on through the affected border regions.
Why it matters
Flash floods in the Himalayas can move with little warning and cause devastating loss of life across national borders, as seen here with victims in Nepal, Tibet and risks extending to India. The destruction of roads, bridges and power plants also threatens the recovery of remote mountain communities and the safety of trapped residents and tourists.
Frequently asked questions
How many people have died in the Nepal-Tibet floods?
At least 95 people have died and hundreds remain missing, according to the Guardian. An earlier report on the same day put the toll at nine before it rose sharply.
What caused the flooding?
The disaster was caused by a torrent of mud, water and debris that burst from the banks of a river running between China and Nepal, according to the Guardian.
Who is involved in the rescue effort?
Nepal's army and police force have joined rescuers searching for the hundreds of people still missing, according to Al Jazeera.
Timeline
- What caused the Nepal-Tibet flash floods?
BBC World: At least 270 people have died in the massive flash floods, while more than 800 others are missing.
- What we know about deadly Nepal-Tibet floods
BBC World: Hundreds have died in flooding and landslides on the border of Nepal and Tibet.
- Rescuers search for hundreds missing in Nepal-Tibet flash floods
Al Jazeera: Nepal’s army and police force has joined rescuers searching for hundreds of people still missing after flash floods.
- Flash floods on Nepal-Tibet border leave scores dead and hundreds missing
The Guardian World: More than 380 tourists among those unaccounted for after homes, roads, bridges and power plants swept away At least 95 people have died and hundreds are missing after flash floods hit the Himalayan border areas of Nepal and Tibet in China, with officials saying areas of India w
- ‘Major casualties’ feared after flash floods along Nepal-Tibet border
The Guardian World: Death toll of nine likely to rise as floods and mudslide sweep away houses, roads, bridges and power projects Torrential floods in the Himalayan border areas of Nepal and in Tibet in China have killed at least nine people and destroyed roads, bridges and power projects, as aut