Deadly flash flood wipes away villages in Nepal, Tibet
Deutsche Welle · LC · trust 65/100
Dozens have died and hundreds were reported missing, including 291 international tourists. Rescue helicopters have been unable to land in affected areas due to high floodwaters.
https://p.dw.com/p/5JOsy Dozens of people were left missing after the incident Image: Prabin Ranabhat/AFP Advertisement Dozens of people were confirmed dead and hundreds more are missing after a flash flood swept through remote valleys in Nepal and Tibet on Wednesday.
Nepali police spokesman Abi Narayan Kafle told French news agency AFP that at least 95 people had been killed, and that 28 police personnel were missing.
"The pain and loss you have suffered is not small. But I want to assure you that you are not alone in this difficult time -- the state is with you with all its means and resources," Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah said in a statement posted to social media. "Please be patient. The government takes full responsibility for your rescue, treatment, food and shelter. In times of such a disaster, we all need to stand together."
In China, authorities said at least three have died, with 265 still missing, China's state broadcaster CCTV said
The floodwaters washed away villages, damaged bridges and destroyed electrical infrastructure on both sides of the Nepal-China border.
"There is devastation everywhere we look," Tula Bahadur BK, a health worker in Rasuwa district, told Reuters.
"The settlements next to the river have been completely swept away. Five of my own relatives are missing."
At the same time, Chinese authorities also reported that a mudslide caused "major casualties" on the other side of the border in Tibet.
Nepal's Tourism Board said 384 travelers were reported missing.
Among those missing travelers were including 291 foreign nationals, inculding 105 Indians .
A Nepali police spokesperson told Germany's DPA news agency that dozens of personnel were also missing.
"So far, we only have confirmation of 26 police personnel who remain missing in the flood," they said.
"We also have missing information of government revenue officials, hydropower workers among others. But we are still collecting the data."
Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said an earthquake triggered an avalanche in the Himalayas that then triggered flash floods in the valleys below.
Chinese state news agency Xinhua said a mudslide on the Nepali side of the mountains spread to Gyirong County in Tibet.
Nepal dispatched more than a dozen rescue helicopters to the mountainous Rasuwa region, but floodwaters were too high for the helicopters to land.
Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah said the military and police were assisting with rescues.
"Instructions have been given ... to move the people living in the lower areas to safer places," he said. "People along the river are advised to exercise extra caution and remain alert."
Chinese President Xi Jinping also ordered an "all out" rescue effort.
He said "the most urgent task is doing everything possible to search for and rescue the missing people... quickly treat injured people and minimize casualties to the greatest extent possible," according to Chinese state media.
A second flood may be imminent, according to Qianggong Zhang, head of climate and environmental risks at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development.
"With a blockage still lodged upstream on the Nepal-China border river, authorities warn a second flood may occur," he told the AFP news agency.
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