KATHMANDU, Sept 3: Nearly 100 Nepalese nationals remain missing in Tibet following devastating flash floods that struck areas along the Nepal-Tibet border, Nepal’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Chhetri said.
The floods have caused widespread destruction across northern and central Nepal, with more than 1,200 people reported dead and over 4,875 still missing a week after the disaster.
Chhetri said at least 19 bodies swept away by the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa district were recovered in India. The bodies travelled downstream through the Trishuli and Narayani rivers before reaching Indian territory.
The remains were found near the Indian border in areas adjoining Nepal’s Rupandehi and Nawalparasi West districts. Authorities are working to facilitate their transfer to Nepal, the spokesperson said.
Thousands Stranded in Tibet
Around 3,000 Nepalese nationals had travelled to Tibet for pilgrimage and business when the floods struck, leaving them stranded.
More than 2,500 have since returned safely to Nepal through the Hilsa and Tatopani border crossings, while some were evacuated by air, according to the Foreign Ministry.
However, approximately 1,500 Nepalese nationals are still stranded at Tibet’s Kerung border point. Nepalese and Chinese officials are holding discussions on arrangements to bring them home safely.
The floods were triggered on August 26 by an ice rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border. The resulting torrents swept through towns and villages, causing extensive damage and leaving thousands of people unaccounted for.
Authorities continue to coordinate search, recovery and evacuation efforts as affected communities cope with the aftermath of the disaster.