Flood in Nepal Kills 538, Displaces 977
A catastrophic flood in northern Nepal on August 26, caused by a landslide of snow and rock, destroyed bridges and infrastructure, killed 538 people, and left 977 missing, including around 400 foreigners and eight Russians. Despite the disaster, experts believe the impact on Russian tourism will be minimal as the affected area is not a major tourist route.
Consensus
- A flood occurred in northern Nepal on August 26.
- The flood was triggered by a landslide of snow and rock.
- At least 538 people were killed and 977 were reported missing.
- The flood destroyed at least 22 concrete and five metal bridges.
- The flood damaged hydroelectric stations, communication, and water supply systems.
- Over 17,000 specialists and 4,400 police officers participated in search operations.
- Authorities warned of the risk of further flooding.
- At least four Russians were in the disaster zone.
- Eight Russian citizens evacuated to Kathmandu on their own.
- The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised Russians to avoid the affected areas.
- The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged citizens to contact the embassy in Kathmandu.
- Russian experts stated that the affected area is not a popular tourist route for Russians.
Points of divergence
- The flood was caused by a sudden rise in the Bhote Koshi River after a snow and rock avalanche blocked the Lhende tributary. — riamo
- The flood was caused by a landslide of glacial material on the upstream side of the Bhote Koshi and Trisuli rivers, resulting in a wave-like surge resembling a tsunami. — vesti
- Approximately 15,000 Russians visit Nepal annually, mainly mountaineers. — riamo
- The landslide occurred at the border between Nepal and China, affecting the Trisuli River and the Lantang region, a common acclimatization area for pilgrims traveling to Mount Kailash in Tibet. — vesti
- The situation in Kathmandu remains calm. — riamo
- More than 640 tourists are missing, including eight Russians. — vesti
Coverage (2 sources)
- Turkexpert Arutyunov: Nature is unlikely to reduce the flow of Russians to Nepal — РИАМО
- Russian guides named possible cause of flood in Nepal — Вести