Ground Zero: Bhotekoshi, a raging river, a warning, and minutes to escape
Summary
A devastating flash flood in the Bhotekoshi River basin tore through settlements in Rasuwa and downstream areas of Nuwakot and Dhading, destroying homes, roads and bridges and leaving hundreds feared missing. Loudspeaker warnings and rapid rescue efforts gave some residents only minutes to escape.
Key Points
- Local authorities issued urgent loudspeaker warnings before the flood struck, giving some residents only minutes to flee to higher ground.
- The flash flood devastated settlements in Rasuwa and downstream communities in Nuwakot and Dhading, sweeping away homes, businesses, bridges and roads.
- Nepali Army, police, the Armed Police Force, the Nepal Red Cross Society and local residents joined rescue and relief operations amid communication and power outages.
- Survivors described escaping with only the clothes they were wearing, while hundreds were feared missing in the epicentre around Syafrubesi, Dhunche and Timure.
