KATHMANDU, Aug 26: The government said preliminary information suggests an earthquake-triggered avalanche caused the devastating flood in the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa.
At least nine bodies have been recovered, while 79 security personnel and employees of the immigration office remain unaccounted for in the affected areas.
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Addressing the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal said an earthquake occurred at around 8:37 a.m., followed by an avalanche. The Bhotekoshi flood reportedly began around 8:40 a.m., according to preliminary information the government received. He said technical verification of the cause is still underway.
The flood has caused extensive damage across parts of Rasuwa and Nuwakot. Khanal said those missing include 44 Nepal Army personnel, 26 Nepal Police personnel and nine Armed Police Force personnel involved in rescue and security operations.
Immigration office employees working in the border area have also been reported missing.
Khanal said Nepali citizens are also among those killed in the disaster. The nine bodies recovered so far have yet to be identified.
The government said search and rescue operations have been intensified in the affected areas.
