Survivors describe terrifying Nepal flood that left hundreds missing and dozens dead
A massive mudslide triggered a flood in Nepal that has killed at least 270 people and left over 800 missing, with survivors recounting the devastation.
Around 02:55 GMT on Wednesday, a large mass of mud and rock gave way along the Sino-Nepal border, plunging into the Lhende Khola river valley and generating a catastrophic flood. The surge demolished homes, bridges and several kilometres of road, inundating villages and washing away farmland. Survivors reported seeing bodies and animals floating downstream, with local officials recovering a handful of corpses.
Kalpana Malla recounted watching her family swept away, while Sonam Dorjee heard the flood roar like an earthquake and now faces missing relatives. Kedar Nath Parajuli described floodwater reaching the upper floor of his building, and Goma Pandit lost buffaloes, cattle and stored grain. The disaster also hit the key Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage corridor, resulting in pilgrim deaths and disappearances.
Why it matters
The flood highlights Nepal's vulnerability to landslides and the urgent need for disaster preparedness.
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