A massive flash flood triggered by an ice avalanche has devastated the Nepal-Tibet border area, leaving hundreds missing and feared dead, with significant infrastructure damage and power outages reported across the region.

A devastating flash flood swept through the Bhote Koshi River valley along the Nepal-Tibet border on Wednesday morning, leaving hundreds unaccounted for and causing widespread destruction across the mountainous region. The surge, which occurred around 9 am local time, reportedly originated from the Tibetan side of the border. According to initial assessments, an ice avalanche blocked the Lhende River, which then triggered the sudden and violent flooding of the Bhote Koshi River downstream into Nepal.

The disaster has affected multiple areas across Nepal's Rasuwa district, a mountainous region with approximately 50,000 residents. Officials report that 384 tourists are missing, including 291 from countries such as India, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia. However, Sri Lanka's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that no Sri Lankan nationals have been reported affected. The flooding swept away homes, roads, bridges, and hydroelectric facilities, with eyewitness accounts describing entire villages being engulfed by the deluge. Chinese state media reported major casualties on the Tibetan side, particularly in Gyirong county at a major land crossing between the two nations.

Rescue operations have faced significant challenges due to ongoing hazardous conditions. Nepal has deployed 14 helicopters, the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and police personnel, though rescue helicopters have been unable to land in the most severely affected areas due to swollen rivers. The disaster has caused widespread infrastructure damage, with approximately 430 megawatts of electricity supply disrupted, primarily affecting hydroelectric projects. Communications and transportation links remain severely compromised, with the main road to Kathmandu closed. Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal suggested the flooding may have been triggered by an earthquake, with the US Geological Survey reporting a magnitude 4.4 earthquake approximately 25 kilometers north of the border. Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered an intensive search and rescue effort on the Tibetan side.