Kathmandu, August 26
The cause of the devastating flood in the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa remains unclear, with Nepal and China investigating preliminary reports that an earthquake may have triggered a landslide or avalanche that caused the sudden surge.
The flood struck the Bhotekoshi area at around 8:40 am on Wednesday, causing extensive damage in Timure, Rasuwagadhi and Syafrubesi. Settlements, markets, police offices, roads and hydropower infrastructure have been damaged.
Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal said preliminary information suggested an earthquake occurred in the area at around 8:37 am, potentially triggering a landslide or avalanche that led to the flood.
“According to preliminary information, an earthquake occurred in the area at 8:37 am, followed by an avalanche, which may have caused the flood. However, this needs further verification,” Khanal said.
The government has launched rescue operations, but officials say they remain uncertain about the flood’s source and how far its impact could extend.
Rastriya Swatantra Party chief whip Kabindra Burlakoti said the situation remained uncertain as authorities were still trying to assess the scale of the disaster.
China also investigating flood source
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Chinese authorities have also been unable to establish the exact source and cause of the flood.
Officials based in Chengdu are coordinating with Chinese experts and relevant agencies to determine where the flood originated and what triggered it. However, as of Wednesday evening, the exact starting point of the flood had not been established.
Communication difficulties in the suspected source area have complicated efforts to gather information. Chinese authorities have been using various channels to investigate the incident and have shared updates with Nepal.
Satellite technology is also being used to identify the possible source of the flood.
Based on the information available so far, officials believe a large landslide or avalanche may have blocked the river, creating a temporary natural dam that subsequently burst and released a sudden surge of water.
However, experts have yet to officially verify this explanation, and authorities have cautioned that the exact cause cannot be confirmed until further investigation is completed.
