KATHMANDU, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- A massive flash flood swept through Nepal's Bhote Koshi River in the northern district of Rasuwa on Wednesday morning, damaging markets, settlements and infrastructure, officials said.
The flood affected the Syaphrubesi and Timure areas, according to preliminary reports. The extent of the damage and possible casualties have yet to be confirmed.
Narendra Pariyar, chief district officer, told Xinhua that authorities were working to assess the situation and establish contact with people in the affected areas.
"We cannot say for certain whether a glacial lake burst somewhere upstream or something else happened. The flood appeared suddenly," Pariyar told Xinhua.
Authorities in downstream districts have alerted residents living along the riverbanks to remain cautious amid the risk of further flooding. ■
