KATHMANDU, Aug 26: The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has made a preliminary assessment that the devastating flood in Rasuwa was triggered by the sudden release of a river in Tibet that had been blocked by an avalanche.
The NDRRMA held a meeting to assess the possible causes of the massive flood, which has caused widespread damage in Timure and surrounding areas.
NDRRMA Spokesperson Shanti Mahat said the authority received information about the sudden opening of the blocked river only at around 9 am Wednesday, leaving little possibility of issuing an advance warning in Nepal.
Rasuwa flood displaces nearly 33,000 people from 8,317 families
According to Mahat, the river on the Tibetan side had been blocked by an avalanche before suddenly bursting open. The resulting flood entered Nepal through the Lende River in Tibet and the Bhotekoshi River at around 8:40 am.
“The river was blocked by an avalanche. The flood is expected to have occurred suddenly after the river opened in Tibet,” Mahat said.
She said the lack of timely information from the Tibetan side made it impossible to provide an early warning to communities downstream in Nepal.
The sudden surge of floodwater, accompanied by landslides, has caused extensive destruction in Timure and nearby areas. The NDRRMA said its assessment remains preliminary as efforts continue to determine the full extent and exact cause of the disaster.
