KATHMANDU, Nepal — A catastrophic series of Nepal flash floods in the northern Rasuwa district has left more than 300 tourists missing, including six South African nationals and hundreds of Indian citizens. The sudden deluge, which struck the popular mountainous region bordering Tibet, has already claimed 31 lives, and authorities warn the casualty count is expected to climb as recovery efforts unfold.
While official confirmation is still pending, early reports indicate that a massive landslide likely triggered the devastating flash floods. The sheer force of the disaster was captured in police footage, which shows a towering surge of water rushing toward multi-story riverfront buildings. Within minutes, the powerful currents swept away a bridge and obliterated nearby homes.
The Nepal Tourism Board verified that over 300 travelers remain unaccounted for in the wake of the disaster. Currently, the nationalities of more than 100 individuals have yet to be confirmed. On the ground, armed forces and paramilitary troops have launched extensive rescue operations. Helicopters are actively airlifting stranded individuals to safety, though officials note that in the most severely impacted zones, water levels remain too high for aircraft to land. Authorities have issued urgent directives for residents near riverbanks in affected areas to evacuate to higher ground immediately.
The crisis has prompted a swift regional response. The Indian government confirmed its Kathmandu embassy is working closely with Nepalese authorities to expedite rescue and relief for affected Indian nationals. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke directly with Nepalese counterpart Balendra Shah to express his condolences over the tragic loss of life. Modi affirmed India’s solidarity with Nepal during this difficult period and pledged that New Delhi stands ready to deliver comprehensive humanitarian assistance.
Beyond Nepal, the emergency has triggered heightened alerts across the border. Indian paramilitary forces are on high alert, and local officials are maintaining strict vigilance over fears that the floodwaters could surge downstream into Indian river systems.
Additionally, casualties have been reported in the Tibet region, which is administered by China, specifically at the Gyirong border port. According to Chinese state media, President Xi Jinping has mandated an all-out search and rescue operation to address the devastation and assist those impacted in the area.
