Massive flash flood devastates northern Nepal — death toll rising, hundreds unaccounted for (more info in Regular videos, in "Current")

A catastrophic flash flood tore through Nepal's Rasuwa district on the morning of August 26, after an earthquake-triggered landslide blocked the Bhote Koshi River near the Tibetan border, sending a wall of water and debris downstream into the Trishuli.

The surge — which entered Nepal from the Tibetan side — smashed through the border settlements of Timure and Syabrubesi before tearing on through Nuwakot and Dhading. Bagmati Province Police have confirmed at least 31 dead as of Wednesday evening, with the toll expected to climb. Roads, bridges, and six major hydropower and transmission facilities — including Rasuwagadhi, Chilime, and the Trishuli hydropower stations — have been knocked out.

The Nepal Tourism Board says 384 travelers remain unaccounted for — 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepalis — many of them en route through the border region toward Mount Kailash. Nine Armed Police Force personnel stationed at the Timure outpost are also missing.

Rescue operations by the Nepal Army, Armed Police, and Nepal Police, backed by helicopters and medical teams, are underway but hampered by destroyed roads, deep mud and debris, and terrain unsuitable for helicopter landings in several areas. Authorities are also warning of a possible second surge from an upstream blockage that has yet to clear.