At Least Eight Dead, 26 Police Officers Missing In Nepal Flash Flood

KATHMANDU, Aug 26 (NNN-dpa) -- At least eight people have been confirmed dead and 26 police personnel are missing after a massive flash flood swept through central Nepal on Wednesday morning, officials said, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

The flood along the Himalayan Bhotekoshi River is suspected to have been triggered by a glacial lake outburst upstream in China’s Tibet region.

Police spokesman Abi Narayan Kafle said the actual number of people missing could be higher, as government revenue officials and hydropower workers are also unaccounted for.

“So far, we only have confirmation of 26 police personnel who remain missing in the flood. We also have missing information of government revenue officials, hydropower workers among others. But we are still collecting the data,” Kafle said.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah announced the deployment of the Nepal army and other security agencies for rescue operations, with additional personnel being sent to the affected zone. Authorities have issued a disaster alert to residents living in downstream areas.  

Locals described it as one of the worst floods in recent decades.

Social media videos showed extensive destruction in settlements near the border with Tibet and surrounding areas.

The flood swept away several hydropower projects and bridges along its course.

Thousands of travellers and trekkers on the popular Langtang route remain stranded.

The Rasuwagadhi border point is Nepal's largest trading point with its northern neighbour, China.

--NNN-dpa