A flash flood in Nepal's Solukhumbu district has killed at least 14 people, with dozens still missing as rescue operations continue for a third day. The flood struck early on Tuesday morning, sweeping through villages and damaging infrastructure.
What happened
The flood was triggered by a glacial lake outburst in the Himalayas, near the border with Tibet. It sent a wall of water and debris down the Dudh Koshi river, affecting several settlements. Eyewitnesses described a sudden surge of water that caught many residents off guard.
Local authorities have confirmed that at least 14 bodies have been recovered so far. Among the dead are women and children, and many homes have been destroyed. The flood also washed away bridges and sections of the main trail used by trekkers in the Everest region.
Rescue and relief efforts
Search and rescue teams, including the Nepali army and police, are combing through debris and riverbanks for survivors. Helicopters have been deployed to reach remote areas, while medical teams are treating the injured. Temporary shelters have been set up for displaced families.
Communication lines have been disrupted, making it difficult to assess the full scale of the damage. The government has announced compensation for the victims' families and promised to speed up relief distribution. However, aid workers say the remote terrain is hampering their efforts.
Impact and next steps
The flood has raised concerns about the risks of glacial lake outbursts in the region, which scientists have linked to rising temperatures. The district administration has urged residents in vulnerable areas to move to higher ground as a precaution.
Rescue operations are expected to continue over the coming days as authorities work to locate the missing and restore basic services. The full extent of the disaster is still being assessed.
