A deadly natural disaster has struck the Nepal-Tibet border, as flash floods and mudslides triggered by rapid snowmelt have left a trail of destruction.
The disaster, centered in the Rasuwa district north of Kathmandu, has claimed at least 17 lives and caused widespread damage to critical infrastructure, including roads, power grids, and communication networks. The Bhote Koshi river, which flows from Tibet into Nepal, surged early Wednesday, catching residents off guard and washing away entire villages.
The situation remains dire as rescue operations struggle against the elements; strong winds have hampered helicopter deployment, and the main road to Kathmandu remains impassable.
The scale of the tragedy is significant, with Nepalese authorities reporting that 13 officers from the armed police force are missing from two separate posts, and contact has been lost with dozens of other personnel. Business owners in the region have also reported losing contact with employees stationed in the disaster zone.
This latest catastrophe follows a similar deadly flooding event in the same region last year, though officials warn that the current destruction appears to be even more severe. While emergency teams, including medical units and the Red Cross, have been mobilized, the region remains on high alert as the full extent of the devastation continues to unfold.
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