Nepal Flood: Death Toll Rises to 97 as 403 People Remain Missing

At least 97 people have died following devastating flash floods and landslides in northern Nepal, while 403 people remain unaccounted for as rescue operations continue in the affected areas.

The Nepal Tourism Board said 403 tourists and other travellers are currently reported missing following the disaster in Rasuwa district, near the country’s border with Tibet.

Of those missing, 341 are foreign nationals while 62 are Nepali citizens. The missing foreign nationals include 133 Indians, 47 Americans, 34 Australians, 33 Britons, 24 Canadians and 19 Malaysians, according to figures released by the Tourism Board. 

Indian nationals constitute the largest group among the missing foreigners, with many believed to have been travelling as pilgrims to Mount Kailash in Tibet.

The disaster struck after a huge surge of water swept through the Bhote Koshi River area, destroying homes, roads, bridges and other infrastructure. A mudslide also struck the nearby Gyirong Port on the Chinese side of the border. 

Authorities believe the flooding may have been triggered by an earthquake that caused an ice-and-rock avalanche, sending a massive volume of water and debris into the river system. The exact sequence of events remains under investigation. 

Nepal’s security forces have deployed helicopters, drones, boats and rescue teams to search for missing people and recover victims. However, the mountainous terrain, heavy sediment and damage to roads and other infrastructure have made rescue operations extremely difficult. 

Authorities have also warned residents living along affected riverbanks to move to safer locations amid concerns about further flooding.

The disaster has prompted international concern, with several countries working to establish the whereabouts of their citizens. Nepalese authorities say the list of missing people is still being verified as rescue and recovery operations continue.