India, Aug. 26 -- At least 72 people died and nearly 500, including 133 Indians, are missing after a torrential flash flood originating in Tibet swept through central Nepal districts causing devastation in towns and villages, washing away bridges and damaging at least a dozen hydropower projects on Wednesday.

The flood surged through the Bhote Koshi River at around 9 am (local time) affecting Rasuwa and Dhading districts bordering Tibet, officials said. Situated near the Tibet border, Rasuwa is about 125 kms northeast of Kathmandu.

The flood waters then spread to Nuwakot and Chitawan districts, damaging at least four permanent bridges and few temporary ones.

According to preliminary study reports on the basis of analysis of satellite p...