Kathmandu: A sudden and severe flood near Nepal's border with Tibet has caused widespread damage in the mountainous Rasuwa district. Several villages and infrastructure sites in the affected region have reportedly been damaged or swept away by the powerful flow of floodwater.

The areas of *Syapru Besi and Timure* are among the worst affected locations. Authorities have issued warnings to people living near the Bhotekoshi River and asked residents in vulnerable low-lying areas to move to safer locations.

 Villages and Infrastructure Sites Affected

According to local authorities, reports have emerged of villages and infrastructure project sites being affected by the flood. The strong water flow and debris have created dangerous conditions in several parts of the mountainous district.

Officials have warned that the overall damage could be significant, although a complete assessment is not yet available. Rescue teams are working to reach affected locations and gather information about the extent of the destruction.

The final figures for damage to homes, infrastructure and other facilities are expected to become clearer after rescue teams are able to access the affected areas.

 Warning Issued Along Bhotekoshi River

Authorities have urged people living along the *Bhotekoshi River* to remain extremely cautious.

Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to move to safer and higher ground if conditions worsen. People have also been asked to avoid approaching the river and to follow instructions issued by local authorities and emergency agencies.

The sudden rise in water levels has increased concerns about further flooding in areas located close to the river.

 28 Security Personnel Missing

The flooding has also disrupted security posts in the affected region. *Twenty-eight security personnel are reported to be unaccounted for*, including 19 Nepal Police personnel and nine members of the Armed Police Force.

At the Rasuwa Garhi police post, 22 Nepal Police personnel were reportedly stationed. Contact has been established with nine of them, while 13 remain unaccounted for.

In the Syapru Besi area, three of nine police personnel have reportedly been contacted, while six remain out of contact.

In addition, all nine Armed Police Force personnel stationed at the Timure Border Outpost are reported to be unreachable.

Police and Army Join Rescue Efforts

The Nepal government has mobilised security agencies and emergency teams to support rescue and relief operations.

Police and army personnel are working alongside rescue teams to search for missing personnel, assist residents in affected areas and assess the damage caused by the flooding.

Authorities have also instructed officials to move people from vulnerable low-lying areas to safer locations.

 Hydropower Projects Also Affected

Nepal's mountainous regions are home to a large number of hydropower projects. The powerful floodwaters have reportedly affected some project sites and infrastructure in the region.

Roads and other supporting infrastructure connected to hydropower facilities may also have suffered damage. Officials are still assessing the situation, and the total economic impact has not yet been established.

Any major damage to hydropower infrastructure could affect transportation, electricity generation and connectivity in the affected region.

Bhotekoshi River Has a History of Flooding

The Bhotekoshi River has experienced severe flooding in the past as well. A major flood last year caused deaths and left several people missing.

The earlier disaster also damaged an important bridge connecting Nepal and China, disrupting transport and trade activities for an extended period.

The history of flooding in the river has increased concerns among authorities and local residents following the latest incident.

### River Flows From Tibet Region

The Bhotekoshi River originates in the Tibet region and flows through Nepal before joining the Trishuli River. The river system eventually connects with the Gandak River in India.

Sudden increases in water levels in the upper reaches can create dangerous conditions downstream, particularly in narrow mountainous valleys and settlements located close to the river.

 Full Extent of Damage Yet to Be Assessed

The authorities have not yet been able to provide a complete assessment of the damage because several affected areas remain difficult to access.

The immediate priority is to locate missing security personnel, evacuate residents from dangerous areas and provide emergency assistance to affected communities.

Rescue teams are expected to continue operations as access to the affected areas improves. Authorities have also urged residents to rely on official information and avoid spreading unverified reports.