Massive flash floods struck a border area between Nepal and Tibet, claiming over 160 lives and leaving hundreds missing, including 24 Canadians. Nepalese authorities confirmed 162 fatalities, while China’s state media reported three deaths and over 558 missing individuals in Tibet’s Gyirong county. Among the missing were 260 foreign nationals, as per CCTV reports.
The Bhotekoshi River overflowed around 9 a.m. local time on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction to villages, roads, and hydropower projects, prompting warnings to residents in various Nepalese districts to stay away from the riverbanks. Nepali officials sought assistance from both India and China for rescue operations.
Sunil Sharma from the Nepal Tourism Board revealed that 403 people, including 341 foreigners, were reported missing, with 24 Canadians among them. Nepal’s ambassador to Canada later confirmed the Canadian casualties. The affected area is popular with hikers and pilgrims, according to Bharat Raj Paudyal.
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed deep sorrow over the flash floods, urging Canadians in the region to register with the ROCA system for assistance. Global Affairs Canada acknowledged the Canadian impact and mentioned possible delays in communication due to power outages.
Security footage from the Chinese side of the Nepal-Tibet border captured people fleeing before a landslide of rock, mud, and water engulfed buildings and vehicles. Many missing individuals were on a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in Tibet, including citizens from India, the United States, Australia, and Britain.
Efforts were underway to locate missing citizens, including Nepali trekkers near Gosaikunda lake and foreigners from South Korea and Malaysia. The disaster prompted UN mobilization, with Chinese and Indian authorities pledging support for rescue operations. The affected regions had experienced similar flash floods last year due to glacial lake overflow.
Climate experts suggested that an avalanche triggered Wednesday’s flash flood, emphasizing the Himalayan region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events. Research indicated accelerated glacier melting in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region due to rising global temperatures and climate change.
The tragedy underscores the urgent need for early warning systems and climate adaptation measures in the Himalayan region, which faces increasing risks from climate-induced disasters.