At least 98 people are dead and hundreds are missing after a massive flash flood in a border area between Nepal and China Wednesday.
The flood submerged entire villages, burying buildings and destroying roads. The prime minister’s office in Nepal reported at least 95 people were dead and CCTV, China’s state broadcaster, said 265 were missing after a mudslide in the Tibet region that killed at least three, according to The Associated Press.
“The news of the loss of lives and property caused by the sudden flood in the Bhote Koshi River flowing through Rasuwa and Nuwakot has left me extremely saddened,” said Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel in a statement on social media.
“In this hour of crisis, I call upon the government, political parties, social organizations, all agencies including security forces, and the general public to intensify rescue and relief efforts.”
The president urged residents and tourists to “remain vigilant” and “actively engage” in necessary cooperation efforts.
Nepal disaster sparks global response
Officials in Nepal said 403 were reported missing, AP reports, including 133 from India who were on a pilgrimage to a sacred site for Hindus in Tibet, Mount Kailash. The missing persons count also includes 341 foreign nationals from the U.S., Canada, Britain and Australia, according to Sunil Sharma, a tourism board spokesperson.
A joint statement was released by Britain, Australia, Finland, Norway, France, Switzerland and the European Union that encouraged those in affected areas to follow the direction of official safety advisories and local authorities.
Sasmit Pokharel, a government spokesperson for Nepal, said the government had requested help from India and China to perform rescue efforts. Representatives from both countries have expressed their support.
India Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the people of India “stand in solidarity with their sisters and brothers in Nepal at this difficult time.”
“India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance to Nepal,” Modi said on social media. “Our teams are coordinating closely on rescue and relief efforts.”
Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered “all-out efforts to search and rescue people” missing after the mudslide, according to China Military Bugle, the official press account of China’s armed forces.
The president also urged local authorities to “prepare for worst-case scenarios and extreme situations” and ordered resolute action “to prevent major and catastrophic disasters and accidents.”
The U.S. Geological Survey initially reported an earthquake with a 4.4 magnitude, but the organization later said the seismic activity was caused by a landslide.
Experts at International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development said the flood was likely the result of an avalanche from a glacier, AP reports.
