Devastating Flash Floods Strike Nepal and Tibet, Leaving Eight Dead and Infrastructure Crippled

Nepal deployed rescue helicopters on Wednesday after a massive flash flood swept through villages near the Tibet border, killing eight people and severely damaging roads, bridges, and power projects.

Across the border, Tibet reported major casualties and missing persons in Gyirong county after a mudslide hit a land crossing between China and Nepal, according to the Xinhua official news agency.

High water levels prevented rescue helicopters from landing in the affected areas of Syapru Besi and Timure in the Rasuwa district, where officials warned of potential further casualties and property loss.

District administrator Narendra Pariyar urged residents along the Bhote Koshi river to seek higher ground as nearby villages and infrastructure projects were washed away.

The cause of the disaster remains unclear, though a similar flash flood last year was traced to a drained glacier lake.

The mudslide also disrupted roads, communications, and power in China's Shigatse region at Gyirong port. President Xi Jinping called for all-out search efforts and enhanced monitoring systems to prevent secondary disasters.

Nepal's energy ministry reported that 430 MW of electricity supplies were disrupted, impacting over 12% of the nation's total hydropower capacity. Prime Minister Balendra Shah announced that police and military forces have joined rescue operations, advising residents in low-lying areas to evacuate to safer locations.