Dbarta24 Desk — Devastating flash floods and massive landslides triggered by severe weather and glacial collapses have claimed at least 162 lives in Nepal, with the death toll expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue in full swing.
In addition to the confirmed fatalities, authorities report that 403 tourists—341 of whom are foreign nationals—remain missing across several affected regions, sparking widespread international concern.
Rescue Operations and Affected Regions
According to the latest official updates from the Nepal Police, recovery efforts have yielded 64 bodies from various downstream locations in the Chitwan district, while 26 bodies were retrieved from Nawalparasi East.
Emergency crews are working around the clock under hazardous conditions to navigate mud-clogged roadways and overflowing rivers.
The popular tourist hub of Chitwan, renowned globally for its wildlife reserves and jungle safaris, remains under high alert as floodwaters continue to submerge vast areas.
The disaster struck abruptly near the Tibet border, severely affecting Rasuwa and neighboring districts.
Among those unaccounted for are 28 Nepalese police personnel who were dispatched during the initial emergency response.
Foreign Tourists Stranded and Missing
Nepal’s Ministry of Tourism confirmed that out of the 403 missing visitors, a significant majority—341 individuals—are foreign nationals.
Indian citizens account for the largest proportion of missing tourists, followed by 54 citizens from the United States, 34 from Australia, and 33 from the United Kingdom.
Embassies and diplomatic missions are closely coordinating with Nepalese authorities to trace their citizens.
The crisis has extended across the border into China’s Tibet region. State broadcaster CCTV reported that landslides in Tibet’s Gyirong County have left 558 people missing, including 260 foreign nationals, though the death toll on the Chinese side currently stands at three.
The Gyirong border crossing serves as a vital transit point for trade and tourism between Nepal and China.
Cause of the Disaster and Relief Efforts
While initial reports speculated that a localized earthquake might have triggered the catastrophic inundation, data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) clarified that the seismic activity registered was caused by a massive glacial collapse and intense debris flows rather than a tectonic earthquake.
Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and scale of destruction, assuring the public that government agencies are working tirelessly to provide relief.
Around eight tons of emergency relief materials, including food, medical kits, and temporary shelter supplies, have been dispatched to the hardest-hit zones.
As search teams push deeper into remote cut-off valleys, humanitarian agencies warn that the full extent of the tragedy is still unfolding.