Hundreds missing and many feared dead after massive flash flood hits Nepal-China border

way2barak, Aug 26: At least 105 Indians and 37 NRIs are among nearly 400 people reported missing after a massive flash flood swept through Nepal’s Rasuwa district near the Tibet border on Wednesday, killing at least 95 people and causing widespread damage to settlements and infrastructure.

The sudden surge in the Bhote Koshi River struck the Rasuwagadhi-Timure area at around 9 am local time, affecting Rasuwa as well as parts of neighbouring Nuwakot and Dhading districts.

The flooding washed away vehicles, goods, bridges and other infrastructure, while several hydropower projects were also damaged.

According to a preliminary list compiled by the Nepal Tourism Board, 384 travellers, including 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali nationals, have been reported missing following the flash flood.

Of the foreign nationals, 105 are Indian tourists and 37 are non-resident Indians (NRIs). The list also includes travellers from the US, Malaysia, the UK, South Africa, Australia and the Netherlands, while the nationalities of some others are yet to be confirmed.

The Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police have been deployed for search-and-rescue operations. Fourteen helicopters, along with drones and sniffer dogs, are being used to locate missing people and assist those stranded in affected areas.

President Droupadi Murmu expressed her condolences to Nepal over the devastation caused by the flash floods and said India was ready to support the country’s relief and rescue efforts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah and expressed condolences over the loss of lives in the devastating floods.

“India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance to Nepal. Our teams are coordinating closely on rescue and relief efforts,” Modi posted on X.

Authorities in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh along the India-Nepal border have been asked to remain alert and closely monitor the situation.

In view of the potential flood threat in Bihar following heavy rainfall in Nepal, Union home minister Amit Shah spoke to Bihar chief minister Samrat Choudhary over the phone.

Shah assured the Bihar government of all possible assistance to deal with the situation. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is also being mobilised to respond to any emergency.

NDRF teams have been deployed in West Champaran and Muzaffarpur as a precautionary measure amid the flood alert, NDRF Inspector General Narendra Singh Bundela.

A total of nine NDRF teams are currently stationed across Bihar, while the situation is being closely monitored, Bundela added.

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath expressed concern over the flood situation in Nepal and directed local authorities in vulnerable districts to remain alert.

In a post on X, Yogi said, “The damage caused by the devastating floods in the Bhote Koshi River in Nepal’s Rasuwa region is extremely worrying. Prayers to Lord Pashupatinath for the safety of all.”

“In view of the rise in water levels of the Gandak and Narayani rivers and the possibility of flooding in Uttar Pradesh’s districts of Maharajganj and Kushinagar due to its impact, instructions have been issued to the local administration to remain fully vigilant and ensure necessary preparations,” he added.

India is sending relief material to flood-hit Nepal on Indian Air Force aircraft after massive flash floods swept through several northern districts of the neighbouring country on Wednesday, officials said.

The emergency consignment will include medicines, rations and other essential supplies as part of the government’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts.

The government is also preparing to deploy National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel to Nepal to assist with search-and-rescue and relief operations in the affected areas, officials said.