Tibet border avalanche: Flash floods kill 788, thousands missing

Flash floods and landslides from a Tibet border avalanche have killed 788 people, with thousands missing. A massive rescue operation is underway. Many Indian nationals, including 14 from Andhra Pradesh, are affected, with some evacuated safely.

Massive Death Toll and Missing Persons

The catastrophic flash floods and landslides triggered by an ice-rock avalanche along the Tibet border have left nearly 788 people dead and thousands missing, prompting intense rescue operations involving 20,000 security personnel and 14 military helicopters.

Providing details on the ongoing crisis and the status of regional citizens, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has reported that the death toll on Monday, at 07: 00 am, has risen to 788, with an estimated 2,500-3,000 persons still missing or uncontactable and more than 8,700 people who were evacuated by security forces. Multiple Indian nationals remain untraceable following massive flash floods and landslides in Nepal, while authorities confirm that at least 149-180 Indians have been evacuated, and approximately 275-320 remain missing/uncontactable. Among them are 14 pilgrims of Andhra Pradesh origin, 7 from AP and 7 NRIs.

Evacuation of Telugu Pilgrims

Meanwhile, a group of 20 Telugu pilgrims safely reached Kathmandu from Tibet after surviving devastating flash floods that swept across Nepal, even as authorities continue frantic search efforts for hundreds of missing individuals.

Successful Evacuation to Kathmandu

Outlining the successful evacuation timeline and transit plans, the Government of Andhra Pradesh informed that Telugu pilgrims were safely evacuated on Sunday at approximately 11:00 pm; a group of 144 pilgrims safely reached Kathmandu from Saga County, Tibet, through the Kodari checkpoint. The group includes 20 Telugu pilgrims, including Sastry and three members of his family. They are scheduled to travel to Mumbai tomorrow for onward journeys to their respective homes.

Ongoing Rescue Operations and Emerging Risks

State authorities are maintaining continuous communication with Nepalese counterparts to track and rescue stranded citizens as secondary risks emerge from a dangerous temporary lake formed in Tibet following severe flooding.

However, nearly 20,000 security personnel and 14 military helicopters remain deployed, with six specialised surgical teams providing emergency medical assistance. India's specialised tunnel-rescue team and technical experts are assisting operations at the Trishuli-3A hydropower tunnel, where workers remain trapped.

The Government of Andhra Pradesh has confirmed that more than 25 miles of roads and 40 suspension bridges have reportedly been destroyed. Heavy rainfall, landslides, blocked valleys and a potentially dangerous temporary lake in Tibet continue to pose serious secondary risks.

Continuous coordination is being maintained with Nepalese authorities regarding the safe evacuation, identification and welfare of Indian and particularly AP-origin pilgrims. (ANI)

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