Floods in Nepal Leave Hundreds Dead and Over 1,300 Missing from 30+ Countries

A devastating flood struck the Nepal-Tibet border region on Wednesday morning, caused by a massive landslide of ice, rocks, and mud falling into the Lenda Kola river, a tributary of the Bhote Koshi river. The floodwaters surged at speeds up to 193 km/h, destroying bridges, homes, and sweeping away vehicles and people. As of now, 469 people have been confirmed dead, and approximately 1,300 remain missing, with over half being foreign nationals from more than 30 countries.

Nepalese authorities are conducting search and rescue operations despite challenging weather conditions that hamper efforts. The Nepalese government has declined foreign rescue teams, stating their security forces are managing the situation. Rescue teams are also trying to save over 100 workers trapped in a tunnel near a hydroelectric dam construction site, with helicopters assisting but struggling due to flood damage.

The disaster struck a popular pilgrimage and tourist route near the sacred Mount Kailash, attracting many Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. Among the missing are 77 tourists, including a 60-year-old Israeli, who lost contact after the flood. The missing include 113 Nepali tourists, 85 security personnel, and numerous foreign nationals: 288 Indians, 90 Americans, 55 Ukrainians, 51 Malaysians, 39 Australians, 33 British, 25 Canadians, and others from countries including South Korea, Singapore, Germany, Russia, South Africa, Latvia, Japan, New Zealand, France, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Kazakhstan, Portugal, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belarus, Finland, Hungary, Israel, Lithuania, the Philippines, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Serbia, and Sweden.

Chinese authorities reported at least three deaths and 558 missing in Tibet’s Gyirong County, suspending rescue efforts due to the risk posed by a nearby dam. Satellite imagery and expert analysis revealed the landslide originated from a glacier collapse on a mountainside, triggering the catastrophic flood. Experts likened the flood’s debris-laden water to "liquid cement," causing unpredictable and dangerous terrain for rescue teams.

The flood has caused widespread devastation and ongoing uncertainty for families of the missing, with many gathering in Kathmandu to seek information. Authorities warn that adverse weather will continue, complicating rescue and recovery operations in the coming days.