Catastrophic flash flooding in Nepal has resulted in at least 72 confirmed deaths and left over 300 tourists missing, with harrowing footage capturing the moment a massive water surge overwhelmed a border crossing. The disaster occurred on the Himalayan border between Nepal and China-controlled Tibet.
The surge is believed to have been caused by a wall of mud and rock collapsing into a river. Initial reports suggest the floods may have been triggered by an avalanche resulting from an earthquake, according to Nepal’s foreign minister, Shisir Khanal. The German Research Centre for Geosciences recorded a 4.4 magnitude quake approximately seven minutes before security footage showed the incident at the border.
The torrent of water and debris swept away homes, roads, and businesses in Nepal. Tibetan officials have expressed concerns about major casualties in their region. Flood alerts have been issued in downstream areas, including the northern Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Among the 384 foreign travelers reported missing are three from the United States, 105 from India, 93 from Nepal, and 12 from the United Kingdom, according to Nepal’s tourism authority. The U.S. Embassy stated it was deeply saddened by the loss of life and urged American citizens in the affected areas to seek higher ground and follow local guidance. The embassy extended condolences to the families of those who died and expressed thoughts for all affected.
