Khatmandu, MINA – Catastrophic flash floods and landslides along the Nepal-China border region have killed at least 543 people, with more than 1,200 others still missing, according to the latest updates.
The disaster was triggered by a massive ice and rock collapse in the Himalayan region, which swept away settlements, roads, bridges, and border facilities. The figures include casualties from both Nepal and the Tibetan region.
In Nepal, most victims are concentrated in districts along the flood path, while Tibet has also reported deaths and hundreds missing. The numbers are expected to change as rescue teams continue searching in severely affected areas, as reported by Ariananews on Saturday.
The floods occurred on Wednesday after a large ice and rock avalanche fell into a river channel in the Himalayas. The debris triggered powerful flows of water, mud, and boulders that devastated areas along the river. Several villages reportedly suffered extreme damage.
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Rescue operations face difficult terrain. Critical infrastructure such as roads and bridges has been damaged, while the threat of secondary floods remains. In Tibet, authorities are monitoring a lake formed by the avalanche debris, as rising water volumes could pose new dangers.
The disaster has also affected foreign nationals in the border area, including pilgrims and tourists traveling to the sacred Kailash Mansarovar region. Reports indicate dozens to hundreds of citizens from various countries remain unaccounted for, prompting several foreign governments to work to ensure the safety of their nationals.
The Nepalese government has deployed thousands of security personnel for search and rescue operations, assisted by helicopters and various emergency equipment.
Several countries have offered assistance, but Kathmandu stated that primary search operations can still be handled by domestic forces. Humanitarian needs continue to rise, with more than 90,000 people estimated to require urgent assistance.[]
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