Pilot Recounts Terrifying Moment Deadly Flash Flood Swept Through Nepal

A devastating flash flood along the border between Nepal and Tibet has claimed the lives of at least 95 people. The terrifying moment the flood swept away buildings in Nepal was recounted by a pilot.

A helicopter pilot who witnessed the deadly flash flood said the wave height reached around five to six metres. The pilot, named Aman Budathoki, initially thought the armed forces were using explosives.

“About five minutes before landing, we saw dust rising high from the river,” Aman Budathoki told CNN.

“At first it looked like a landslide. We even wondered whether the army was using explosives for road construction,” he added.

However, within seconds, the pilot saw dark floodwater mixed with debris rushing swiftly and blending with clear water. Budathoki described the situation at the scene as terrifying.

“We could see waves of water five to six metres high. We began circling over the villages there and saw large trees and several vehicles swept away by the strong current,” he said.

“The situation was very frightening. We even tried to follow the flood’s path briefly to assess the damage,” he continued.

A horrifying video of the moment the flood struck Gyirong Port, on the China-Nepal border, also went viral. The video shows people panicking and running. Moments later, the flash flood wave swept away buildings and those people.

The flash flood, which carried mud, damaged roads, bridges and a power plant project in the country located in the Himalayan mountains. Severe damage was reported in areas of Nepal close to Tibet.

Local police spokesperson Abi Narayan Kafle said the death toll has now risen to 95 people. Meanwhile, hundreds of others remain missing, including 28 police officers.

“So far 95 deaths have been reported,” said Abi Narayan Kafle.