An impressive video shows the violence of a flash flood that struck the Bhote Koshi River, in Rasuwa District, northern Nepal and near the border with Tibet.
The footage shows the current rising until it reaches an impressive height in front of the buildings in the area. The water hits the metal bridge with tremendous force, until the structure can no longer withstand it and ends up being torn away by the flood and swept along by the current.
This is not simply flooding that rises slowly. A sudden flood, or flash flood, occurs when an enormous amount of water suddenly reaches a river channel and rushes downhill at great speed, potentially becoming a veritable wall of water and debris.
The tragedy began in the early hours of Wednesday, August 26, and particularly affected the Rasuwa area, where bridges, roads, homes, and energy infrastructure were destroyed. The force of the water also struck areas on the Tibetan side of the border.
The death toll rose rapidly throughout the day. Nepalese authorities now report at least 157 dead, while hundreds of people remain missing. Victims have also been confirmed in China, bringing the combined death toll to more than 160.
Numerous foreigners are among the missing. The area is used by travelers and pilgrims heading toward Tibet and Mount Kailash, so several countries have begun searching for their citizens.
There is still no definitive explanation for the exact cause of the flood. Initial investigations point to a landslide, avalanche, or collapse of ice and glacial material that may have caused a sudden release of water into the river.
As rescue efforts continue, the video helps convey the scale of the phenomenon: in a matter of seconds, the force of the Bhote Koshi was able to tear away an entire metal structure and turn it into yet another object swept away by the water.
Watch the clip below: