The death toll from the devastating flash floods in Nepal has risen to 162, with hundreds of people still missing, including 133 Indian nationals. The disaster struck communities along the Bhote Koshi River in Nepal’s Rasuwa district, close to the Tibet border, causing widespread destruction across the Himalayan region.
Nepal Police confirmed on Thursday that at least 162 people had died after floodwaters swept through three districts. Security personnel, tourists and local residents are among those still unaccounted for. Nepal’s tourism authorities said 468 tourists and travellers remained out of contact, including 393 foreign nationals and 75 Nepalis.
The disaster has also affected neighbouring Tibet. Chinese state media reported that 558 people were missing following the floods, including 260 foreign nationals. Three deaths were reported in Tibet.
The cause of the disaster has come under fresh scrutiny. The US Geological Survey said seismic activity initially believed to have been an earthquake was instead linked to a glacial collapse and debris flow. The collapse triggered catastrophic downstream impacts in Nepal and Tibet, sending a powerful surge of water and debris through the river valleys.
The destruction has severely affected infrastructure. Floodwaters reportedly destroyed at least 19 motorable bridges, damaged around 40 kilometres of the Betrawati–Rasuwagadhi highway and affected eight operational hydropower projects.
The situation has also prompted precautionary measures in India. Authorities in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Uttarakhand have been placed on high alert amid concerns that rivers originating in Nepal could see a sudden rise in water levels. Officials are closely monitoring the Gandak and other rivers, particularly in vulnerable border districts.
India has stepped up its relief response. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said 10 tonnes of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief material, along with essential medicines, had been dispatched to Nepal. The Indian Air Force has deployed a C-130J aircraft to deliver emergency supplies, including temporary shelters, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps and medicines.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah and expressed condolences over the loss of lives. He assured Nepal of India's support and said both countries were coordinating closely on rescue and relief efforts.
The United States has also pledged $500,000 in emergency assistance and is sending a disaster response adviser to support relief operations.
Meanwhile, several countries are trying to locate missing citizens. Australia said 34 of its nationals were missing, while officials acknowledged that information about their whereabouts remained limited.
Rescue teams continue their search as authorities assess the full scale of the devastation. With roads, bridges and other infrastructure badly damaged, reaching isolated areas remains a major challenge.
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