Himalayan Floods Kill Nine, Hundreds Missing on Nepal-Tibet Border

At least nine people have died and dozens more injured after massive floods swept through the Himalayan border region between Nepal and China's Tibet on Wednesday. The deluge swallowed roads, bridges, houses, and power projects, and triggered a mudslide that hit Gyirong Port, a major land crossing, severing road, communication, and power links.

The calamity is suspected to have been caused by an earthquake that triggered an ice-rock avalanche on the Lhende Khola river, which flows through both Nepal and Tibet. The resulting floodwaters have left at least 348 travellers missing, including 105 Indians, 93 Nepalis, 12 British citizens, and three U.S. citizens. Eight South Koreans working on a hydropower plant are also unaccounted for, along with 17 Malaysians, four South Africans, and one person each from Australia and the Netherlands.

Authorities have warned that a second flood could occur as a blockage remains lodged upstream on the Lhende Khola river. Flood alerts have been issued in the Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, which border Nepal, as several rivers flow down from the Himalayas into their plains.

Rescue efforts are underway, with police and military personnel deployed. However, officials have said helicopters cannot land in the affected areas until waters recede. People in low-lying regions are being moved to safer places, and those along the river have been advised to stay alert.

China has deployed at least 574 rescuers to the land crossing, but flood sediment is hampering operations. India said it is coordinating closely with Kathmandu on rescue and relief, while South Korea plans to send a rapid-response team of government officials and fire and police personnel.