A devastating flash flood struck Nepal’s Rasuwa district near the Tibet border on Wednesday, killing at least four people and leaving nearly 400 individuals missing, including 105 Indian tourists. The flood surged through the Bhote Koshi River early in the morning, sweeping away homes, roads, bridges, vehicles and public infrastructure across Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading districts. Officials believe the disaster may have been triggered by heavy rainfall, an avalanche, or a glacial lake outburst on the Tibetan side, although the exact cause remains under investigation. Authorities have placed several downstream districts on high alert as the flood risk continues.

The disaster has caused extensive damage to Nepal’s infrastructure and economy. At least 13 hydropower projects, including eight operational plants and five under construction, suffered major damage, while a key trade bridge linking Nepal with Tibet was completely washed away. Customs facilities, police posts and several settlements were also destroyed by the powerful floodwaters. Search and rescue operations are underway on a war footing, with the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police deploying helicopters, drones, rescue teams, sniffer dogs and emergency medical personnel to locate survivors and assist affected communities.

According to the Nepal Tourism Board, the missing include 105 Indian tourists, 37 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and visitors from several other countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Malaysia, South Africa and the Netherlands. Emergency medical centres have been established to treat the injured, while relief efforts continue across the affected districts. The Nepal government has urged residents living near riverbanks to remain alert as authorities continue investigating the cause of the disaster and work around the clock to rescue those still missing.