Nepal Flash Floods Leave Hundreds Missing After Avalanche

Nepal Flash Flood Disaster Leaves Hundreds Missing Near Tibet Border

A devastating flash flood has struck Nepal's Rasuwa district near the border with Tibet, killing at least nine people and leaving hundreds of people unaccounted for.

The disaster occurred after an ice-and-rock avalanche triggered a sudden surge of water and debris through the affected river system.

The flooding destroyed homes, roads, bridges and other infrastructure, while rescue operations have been complicated by damaged access routes and dangerous conditions.

Reuters reported that 384 travellers were initially unaccounted for, including foreign nationals from several countries.

The disaster has also affected hydropower infrastructure, adding an economic dimension to the humanitarian emergency.

China has deployed hundreds of rescue personnel on its side of the border, while authorities in Nepal and other countries are coordinating efforts to locate missing people.

South Korea has separately reported missing workers and stranded citizens in the affected area.

Authorities have warned people to stay away from dangerous river areas as concerns remain about additional flooding.

The casualty and missing-person figures are still developing, meaning the final impact of the disaster could change as rescue teams gain access to affected communities.

Source: Reuters and Associated Press.