Nepal Flash Flood: A sudden flash flood in Nepal on Wednesday has caused widespread destruction across Rasuwā, Dhading and Nuwakot, near the Tibet border. At least 17 people have been confirmed dead, while hundreds remain missing, including 105 Indian nationals.
The flooding and landslides have damaged villages, roads and hydropower projects. Authorities believe the disaster may have been triggered by a glacial lake outburst in Tibet, as Rasuwā recorded only around 7 mm of rainfall in the previous 24 hours.
Hundreds Missing in Nepal
According to the Nepal Tourism Board, more than 384 people are reported missing, including foreign tourists and Nepalese citizens. Several police personnel at the Timure border post are also missing.
The government has deployed 14 helicopters for rescue operations, although damaged infrastructure and a washed-away helipad are making access difficult. Emergency helplines have also been activated.
Bihar, Uttar Pradesh on High Alert
The flood threat has extended to India, with Bihar and Uttar Pradesh closely monitoring rising river levels.
Bihar has placed eight districts on high alert: West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Saran, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Sitamarhi and Sheohar. NDRF and SDRF teams have been deployed or kept on standby, while authorities have prepared evacuation plans and relief camps.
In Uttar Pradesh, authorities are monitoring the Gandak, Rohin and other rivers in Maharajganj, Gorakhpur, Siddharthnagar and Kushinagar.
PM Modi Offers India’s Support
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the deaths and spoke with Nepal’s Prime Minister Balen Shah. He said India stands with Nepal and is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance for rescue and relief operations.
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has also issued emergency contact numbers to assist Indian citizens affected by the floods.
Emergency Helpline Numbers
People affected by the Nepal floods can contact the following emergency helplines for assistance:
- Nepal Tourism Board: 1234, 1144, 9851289445
- Indian Embassy, Kathmandu: +977 985 131 6807, +977 970 910 7500
Indian citizens in affected areas are advised to contact the Indian Embassy for emergency assistance and information.
