A flash flood and mudslide hit northern Nepal’s Rasuwa area bordering China on Wednesday, killing at least 160 people and leaving hundreds unaccounted for, according to multiple reports. Authorities and media reports describe rapid river rises in the region and widespread damage to settlements and infrastructure.
Several outlets cite differing figures as the search expands, with death tolls reported in the low-to-mid 160s and missing totals ranging from hundreds up to about 1,000, including foreigners and security personnel. Sources also agree that many missing people are pilgrims and travellers, including Indians—figures for Indian nationals among the missing vary by report, but are repeatedly described as numbering around the low-to-high hundreds. On what caused the disaster, outlets point to reports that an avalanche blocked a tributary and formed a temporary natural dam, while some earlier reports mentioned an earthquake that was later ruled out.
At the diplomatic level, Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah directs search, rescue and relief efforts and reserves medical capacity in Kathmandu. Prime Minister Narendra Modi contacts Shah, conveys condolences, and says India stands ready to provide humanitarian assistance while teams coordinate with Nepalese authorities. India sends 10 tonnes of initial relief material, later followed by additional consignments reported as 37.5 tonnes, and Nepal’s government publicly thanks India for the support.
