Death Toll from Flooding and Landslide in Nepal Reaches 72, Hundreds Missing

The death toll from the powerful flooding and landslide in the Nepal-Tibet border area has reached 72, according to reports from China's state television. Earlier, the BBC and Reuters had reported at least 31 fatalities and nearly 400 people missing.

The Nepal Tourism Board is attempting to ascertain the whereabouts of 291 tourists and 93 Nepali citizens, including guides. Among the missing are citizens from the United Kingdom, the United States, India, and other countries. Additionally, 26 police officers, 9 armed police personnel, and 44 military personnel are also among the missing, as reported by Nepal's Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal.

The natural disaster struck the Rasuwagadhi region, located north of Kathmandu, on the morning of August 26. Powerful flows of water, mud, and debris swept away homes and vehicles, damaging roads, bridges, and energy infrastructure.

The Nepal Army has managed to rescue 88 individuals, and search and rescue operations continue on both sides of the border. Footage verified by the BBC shows the powerful current tearing bridges away from their supports and sweeping them downstream, moments before buildings collapse. Other clips depict individuals trying to escape the flooding on foot and in vehicles.

Transportation, communication, and electricity supply have been disrupted in the region, and the main road leading to Kathmandu has also been closed. The cause of the disaster has yet to be definitively determined. According to Reuters, a 4.4 magnitude earthquake was recorded in the area approximately 7 minutes before the landslide was captured on camera.

One preliminary theory suggests that the earthquake may have triggered an avalanche, which then caused melting snow to flow into the Bhote Koshi River. However, experts are not ruling out the possibility of a glacier collapse occurring on the Nepalese side.

Nepal's hydropower infrastructure has also been damaged by the natural disaster. Chinese state media have reported substantial losses in Tibet as well, although the full extent of the devastation there is still being clarified.