A massive flash flood in the Bhote Koshi River in Nepal

A massive flash flood in the Bhote Koshi River has caused extensive physical damage and significant loss of life across the districts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading.

The devastating flood, which struck the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa on Wednesday morning, is believed to have been triggered by a possible glacial lake outburst or a landslide in the Tibetan region of China. However, the exact cause of the disaster has yet to be scientifically confirmed.

The flood reached Timure, near the Nepal–China border, at around 8:30 a.m., causing extensive loss of life and destroying settlements and infrastructure along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers.

Entering Nepal from the Chinese side, the powerful flood swept away settlements along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers, severely damaging roads, bridges and major hydropower projects. Several sections of highways were also washed away, while hydropower projects in the affected areas sustained significant damage.

Experts estimate that the source of the flood may lie approximately 40–50 kilometres upstream from the Nepal–China border, where several potentially dangerous glacial lakes are located.

According to Nepal Police, the death toll from the devastating floods has reached 669. In an update released at 2:50 p.m. on Saturday, police reported that bodies had been recovered from eight districts affected by the floods.

The highest number of casualties has been reported in Chitwan, where 233 bodies have been recovered. Police also reported that 2,371 people have been rescued from the affected areas so far. Among those rescued, 1,622 were from Nuwakot, 676 from Rasuwa and three from Dhading.

The disaster has caused enormous suffering for local communities and significant damage to homes, roads, bridges, hydropower projects and other infrastructure. Search and rescue operations continue as authorities and local communities work to support those affected by this devastating flood.