Massive flash flood hits Nepal’s Rasuwa near China border, casualties feared
By The South Asia Times
NEPAL - A massive flash flood in Nepal’s Bhotekoshi River caused extensive destruction in Rasuwa district on Wednesday, sweeping away market areas, the Rasuwa customs premises and a newly constructed bridge near the Nepal-China border.
The flood entered the river from the Tibet side at around 9:15 a.m., according to Rasuwa’s Chief District Officer Narendra Pariyar. Authorities have warned communities along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers to move to safer locations as the flood moves downstream.
As of the latest official reports, no confirmed death toll has been released. Authorities say the full extent of casualties and damage remains unclear, while nine Armed Police Force personnel stationed in Timure near the Nepal-China border have reportedly gone missing.
Two Nepali Army helicopters have been deployed for search-and-rescue operations, while police, the Armed Police Force and local authorities have been mobilized.
The flood has also reached downstream areas, including Nuwakot, with authorities placing several districts on high alert.
The exact cause of the sudden surge remains under investigation. Meteorological officials said satellite imagery indicated significant rainfall on the Tibetan side of the border, while there was no indication that heavy rainfall in Rasuwa itself triggered the flooding.
The casualty figure is still unconfirmed, and reports circulating on social media about large numbers of deaths have not been verified by authorities.
