At least 180 people have died and more than 1,300 remain missing after massive flash floods swept through regions along the Nepal-China border on Wednesday (26 Aug) morning.
Nine Singaporeans are reportedly among the missing victims, according to Channel NewsAsia (CNA), citing AFP.
The disaster destroyed villages, hydropower facilities, roads and bridges along the Kathmandu-Kerung trade corridor, prompting search and rescue operations.
Officials fear the casualty toll could rise significantly, as the operations continue.
Online footage shows crowds of people fleeing as a huge wave of floodwater crashes through buildings and structures, wiping out everything in its path.
Source: PVORY on Reddit
From another angle, people could be seen running for their lives as the ground shook violently.
A moment later, the massive flood surged in, swept over, and engulfed the entire landscape.
Source: @WokePandemic on X
It is believed that the devastating flood and landslide happened after a huge chunk of glacier fell into the river valley below, causing a 4.4 magnitude tremor.
What followed was a path of destruction as debris tore downstream of the Lhende river.
The avalanche reportedly blocked the Lhende river, a tributary of the Bhotekoshi River, before floodwaters surged downstream through Timure and surrounding settlements.
However, experts said that it will take weeks to confirm the exact cause.
Source: HarryMaguire_0 on Reddit
Residents said they received little warning before the flood hit.
Rajendra Dhungana, chief customs officer in Rasuwa, said he initially thought an earthquake had occurred after feeling the ground shake.
He later saw a massive wall of water rushing towards Timure bazaar, destroying homes, vehicles and infrastructure within minutes.
Source: @WokePandemic on X
Nepal’s tourism board said at least 180 are dead as of Thursday (27 Aug).
Source: @gharkekalesh on X
The number of missing people across Nepal and China has also climbed past 1,300, with at least 826 reported missing on the Nepali side and 558 in China.
Roughly 517 of the unaccounted for are reported to be foreign nationals.
Among the missing foreigners were 142 Indians, as well as nationals from Australia, the UK, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Portugal, South Africa, South Korea and the United States.
Nine Singaporeans have also been missing following the floods and landslides.
The flood caused widespread destruction across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and other downstream areas.
Officials said 19 motorable bridges were destroyed, and about 40km of highways became impassable.
Additionally, nine hydropower projects were damaged, and several commercial bank branches were destroyed.
Source: @BokaThob2383 on X
“The disaster has damaged the production, transmission and distribution facilities of the Authority… resulting in disruption of electricity supply,” said Nepal Electricity Authority.
In Timure, more than 300 vehicles and trucks waiting near the customs checkpoint were swept away.
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said severe damage was reported in Timure, Syafrubesi, Betrawati, Trishuli Bazaar and Devighat.
Authorities warned residents along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers in Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan to remain alert.
Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah called for unity and patience as rescue operations continued across the affected areas.
“The government takes full responsibility for your rescue, treatment, food and shelter. In times of such a disaster, we all need to stand together,” PM Shah said in a statement shared on social media.
Source: @balenshah on Instagram
He also convened an emergency meeting of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority to assess the situation.
“Work has started to take necessary steps in coordination with the medical team, scouts, and Red Cross,” Mr Shah said.
The Nepali Army has deployed 2,000 personnel to conduct ground and aerial search-and-rescue operations across flood-affected regions.
“The work of collecting details of the damage is under way,” the army said in a statement.
Meanwhile, China’s President Xi Jinping called for “all-out” efforts to search for missing people and urged authorities to strengthen disaster monitoring and early warning systems to prevent further casualties.
China’s state news agency Xinhua reported that a mudslide struck Gyirong Port in the Shigatse region, cutting off roads, communications and electricity supplies.
The Nepal Army and private helicopter operators have rescued at least 114 people from affected areas.
The army carried out 85 rescues, including evacuations from Timure, Mailung, Betrawati and Trishuli to safer locations.
Private helicopter companies rescued the remaining victims, including injured people who were flown to hospitals in Kathmandu.
Source: @YouthsOfBirgunj on X
Stranded residents were asked to create smoke or fires to signal their locations to rescue teams.
The Nepal Army, police, Coast Guard-style rescue units, drones, helicopters and search dogs have been deployed to assist with operations.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Nepal confirmed it has released slightly more than €1 million (around S$1,48 million) from its emergency fund to support rescue teams and supply drinking water, first-aid kits, blankets, stretchers, and body bags to affected areas.
Singapore is also assembling a humanitarian assistance package to support relief efforts, says foreign affairs minister Vivian Balakrishnan.
India, China, the European Union (EU), and the World Bank have similarly pledged support following the disaster.
The World Bank said up to Rs25 billion (around S$332.63 million) could be mobilised in emergency assistance.
Source: The State Department
The United States also announced US$500,000 (around S$650,000) in aid for emergency shelters, water, sanitation and relief supplies.
Meanwhile, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has issued a travel notice in light of the disaster.
It advised Singaporeans in Nepal, especially those in the areas along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers, to “exercise a high degree of caution”.
They are also told to heed to the instructions of local authorities, while monitoring local news.
Those travelling or already in Nepal are encouraged to eRegister with MFA.
Those who require consular assistance should contact the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi or the 24-hour Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office at:
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in New Delhi
Address: E-6 Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
24-hour emergency line: +91-981-020-3595
Office landline: +91-11-4600-0800
Email: singhc_del@mfa.sg
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24 hr)
Address: Tanglin, Singapore 248163
Tel: +65 6379 8800/8855
Fax: +65 6476 7302
Email: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg
Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.
Featured image adapted from @gharkekalesh on X and @BokaThob2383 on X.