A massive flash flood struck northern Nepal near the Tibet border on Wednesday, leaving at least 19 people dead and more than 400 missing, including 105 Indian nationals. The disaster caused widespread destruction in Rasuwa and nearby districts, washing away homes, roads, bridges and infrastructure.
The sudden surge of water entered the Bhote Koshi River from the Tibetan side of the border, according to Nepalese authorities. The flooding hit the Rasuwa area in the morning and rapidly spread downstream, leaving several settlements severely affected.
Among those reported missing are Indian pilgrims travelling towards Tibet for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Travel operators said they were unable to contact several groups of pilgrims after the floods disrupted roads and communication networks.
The Nepalese government has launched a major rescue operation. Police and military personnel have been deployed to affected areas, while 15 army helicopters have been pressed into service. However, high water levels and difficult weather conditions have made helicopter operations challenging.
The disaster has also affected the China-Nepal border. A mudslide hit the Gyirong border crossing in Tibet, with Chinese authorities reporting major casualties and missing people.
India has placed its rescue and relief agencies on alert. The National Disaster Response Force has kept teams and relief material ready, while six NDRF teams are on standby in border areas of Bihar. Authorities in Muzaffarpur, West Champaran, East Champaran and Siwan are closely monitoring the situation as rising water levels could affect parts of the state.
The Sashastra Seema Bal has also alerted its formations along the India-Nepal border. Eleven rescue and relief teams have been activated, with additional teams kept ready for emergency operations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah and expressed condolences over the loss of lives. Modi assured Nepal of India's full support and said Indian teams were coordinating with authorities on rescue and relief efforts.
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has issued emergency helpline numbers for Indians affected by the floods. Families of missing Indian nationals have been urged to stay in contact with the embassy and authorities.
The situation remains fluid, with rescue teams continuing their search for missing people while authorities in both Nepal and neighbouring Indian states remain on high alert.
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