Kathmandu/New Delhi: A devastating flash flood originating near the Nepal-Tibet border has left a trail of destruction across central Nepal, with over 100 people dead and hundreds still unaccounted for. Among those reported missing are 133 Indian nationals, many of whom were travelling in connection with the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage.
The disaster struck on Wednesday after a sudden surge in the Bhote Koshi river swept through settlements in Nepal’s Rasuwa district and later affected areas along the Trishuli river system. Homes, roads, bridges and hydropower facilities were damaged or washed away, while disrupted communications have complicated rescue operations.
The casualty figures have continued to change as authorities reach remote areas and recover bodies. The Kathmandu Post reported that 95 deaths had been confirmed across seven districts, while the Office of the Prime Minister said several groups of security personnel, hydropower workers and tourists remained out of contact.
Indian Pilgrims Among Those Missing
The disaster has caused particular concern in India because a large number of people travelling towards Tibet for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra were in the affected region.
Preliminary figures indicate that 133 Indians are among those missing. Nepal’s tourism authorities have separately reported hundreds of foreign and domestic tourists unaccounted for in the affected areas.
The flood struck near the Rasuwagadhi area, a key route used by pilgrims and travellers heading towards Tibet. With roads and bridges damaged, rescuers have faced major difficulties reaching some locations.
Flood Sweeps Away Roads, Bridges and Power Projects
The Bhote Koshi river surged through settlements including Timure and Syabrubesi before feeding into the Trishuli river system.
The force of the water destroyed or severely damaged several bridges and stretches of road. At least 19 motorable bridges and around 40 kilometres of road were reported damaged, according to the Kathmandu Post. Several hydropower projects have also suffered losses.
The destruction has not only affected local communities but also disrupted one of the important transportation corridors between Nepal and the Tibet border.
India Steps Up Assistance
The scale of the disaster has prompted India to coordinate closely with Nepal on rescue and relief operations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah and expressed condolences over the loss of life, while assuring Nepal of India’s support.
India has also dispatched humanitarian assistance, including medicines, emergency shelters, blankets, hygiene kits and solar lamps. An Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft was used to transport the relief material.
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has also been coordinating with Nepali authorities to assist Indian citizens affected by the floods and has issued emergency contact numbers for those seeking help.
Concern Extends to Tibet
The disaster has also affected China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, particularly around Gyirong, close to the Nepal border.
A mudslide hit the area, prompting Chinese authorities to launch rescue operations. Reports from the region said several people were killed and hundreds were reported missing, adding another dimension to the cross-border humanitarian crisis.
Rescue Efforts Continue
Nepal’s Army, Armed Police Force and police personnel have been deployed for search-and-rescue operations. Helicopters are being used wherever weather and terrain conditions permit, while emergency medical facilities have been established in affected areas.
The combination of destroyed infrastructure, unstable terrain and continuing river risks is making the operation particularly challenging.
With hundreds of people still unaccounted for, authorities are continuing to search affected settlements and transport routes. The toll is expected to remain fluid until rescue teams gain access to areas cut off by the floods.
