Catastrophic flash flooding in Nepal Wednesday killed almost 100 people and left hundreds more missing — including almost 50 Americans — as harrowing footage shows a massive surge of water descending from the mountains, sending dozens of terrified people running for their lives.
The flooding is believed to have been caused by a wall of mud and rock that collapsed into a river on the Himalayan border between Nepal and China-controlled Tibet.
At least 98 people were killed on the Nepali side and over 300 tourists were missing — including 47 Americans, officials said.
Though the horrifying disaster is still unfolding, initial reports suggest the floods could be the result of an avalanche triggered by an earthquake, Nepal’s foreign minister Shisir Khanal told the country’s parliament Wednesday.
The German Research Centre for Geosciences recorded a 4.4 magnitude quake around seven minutes before the security footage was taken at the border.
The powerful torrent of water and debris swept away homes, roads and businesses in Nepal, while Tibetan officials said they feared “major casualties” in the wake of the calamity, according to reports in local media.
Flood alerts have been issued in populated areas downstream from the mountains, including the northern Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
At least 341 foreign nationals were reported missing from the region, including 47 from the United States, 133 from India on pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in Tibet, 34 from Australia, 33 from the United Kingdom and 24 from Canada, according to Nepal’s tourism board.
The US Embassy said it was “deeply saddened” by the death toll, and urged US citizens in the affected regions to avoid low-lying areas, seek higher ground and follow local instructions.
“We extend our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and our thoughts are with all those affected by this disaster,” the embassy posted on X.
With Post wires
