Nepal flash floods: Over 100 Indians among nearly 400 missing, 19 dead as massive flood sweeps away homes, bridges and vehicles

At least 16 people have died and nearly 400 remain missing after sudden flash floods swept through Nepal’s Rasuwa district near the Tibet border.
Massive flash floods hit Nepal near Tibet border (Image via Al Jazeera)

More than 100 Indians are among nearly 400 people reported missing after massive flash floods hit Nepal’s northern Rasuwa district near the Tibet border on Wednesday, 26th August. At least 19 deaths have been reported so far. The sudden floods swept away homes, vehicles, bridges and parts of infrastructure projects, while rescue operations remain difficult in several affected areas.

The flooding has also raised concerns in Bihar, which shares a border with Nepal. As water continues to move downstream through rivers connected to the Gandak and Kosi systems, authorities in Bihar have increased vigilance and asked officials in vulnerable districts to remain prepared.

Sudden flood hits Rasuwa near Tibet border

According to media reports, the massive surge of water entered the Bhote Koshi river from the Tibetan side at around 9 am. Timure and Syapru Besi were among the worst-hit areas. A mudslide was also reported on the Tibetan side near the Gyirong border crossing, with casualties and people missing, according to China’s state-run Xinhua news agency.

The exact reason behind the sudden flooding is still being investigated. Nepal’s Flood Forecasting Division said the disaster was unlikely to have been caused by heavy rainfall in Rasuwa itself. Satellite images, however, showed significant rainfall on the Tibetan side.

Officials are also examining whether the flooding could have been triggered by a glacial lake outburst flood, or GLOF. Nepal’s Foreign Minister also cited local media reports suggesting that an earthquake may have triggered an avalanche, which then caused the sudden release of water and debris.

Villages, roads and border market washed away

Rasuwa Chief District Officer Narendra Pariyar said officials had received reports of villages and infrastructure project sites being washed away, although the full extent of the damage was still being assessed.

“There could be heavy casualties or loss of property,” Pariyar said.

Timure Bazaar, an important market close to the Tibet border, was badly damaged. Vehicles and goods were reportedly swept away by the floodwaters. The newly constructed Friendship Bridge at Rasuwagadhi was also washed away. The bridge had been rebuilt after a deadly flood last year.

Several police facilities were damaged, including the Area Police Office in Timure, the Police Post in Syaphrubesi and the Police Post at Rasuwagadhi. Nine Armed Police Force personnel stationed in Timure were also reported missing.

The flooding has caused major damage to roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure. Nepal’s Energy Ministry said around 430 MW of electricity supply was affected, mainly because of damage to hydropower projects. That is more than 12% of Nepal’s total installed hydropower capacity of around 3.2 GW.

Rescue operations face major challenges

Nepal has launched a large search-and-rescue operation involving the Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force. Prime Minister Balendra Shah chaired an emergency Cabinet meeting to review the situation and rescue efforts.

Two Army helicopters were sent towards the affected areas, but rescue operations were hampered by the dangerous conditions. Army spokesperson Raja Ram Basnet said helicopters could not land in Syapru Besi and Timure because of the high water levels.

Authorities have asked people living in low-lying areas to move to safer locations. As the flood moved further downstream into the Trishuli river basin, warnings were issued for Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan. “People along the river are advised to exercise extra caution and remain alert,” Prime Minister Shah said.

Traffic on roads connecting Kathmandu with Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Chitwan and Dhading was also suspended because of the flood threat.

The Bhote Koshi originates in Tibet and flows through Nepal before joining the Trishuli river system, which eventually enters India as the Gandak. The same region was hit by a deadly flood last year that killed nine people and left 24 missing.

PM Modi assures Nepal of India’s support

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to his Nepalese counterpart Balendra Shah and expressed condolences over the deaths caused by the floods.

Modi assured Shah that India would provide all possible humanitarian and relief assistance. He also said India was closely monitoring the situation and remained in contact with Nepal as rescue operations continued.

Bihar districts placed on high alert

The downstream movement of floodwaters has triggered concern in Bihar. Six districts located along the Kosi, Gandak and Ganga river systems have been placed under heightened vigilance.

Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit held a video conference with district magistrates and asked officials in vulnerable areas to closely monitor river levels and remain prepared for any emergency.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary to review the situation. The Centre is monitoring developments, and NDRF teams have been deployed to help deal with any worsening flood situation.

Choudhary said a high-level team had been formed to monitor the situation in Nepal and its possible impact on Bihar. “The Chief Secretary and DGP are monitoring the situation. I am also holding a meeting on it shortly,” he said.

Relief and rescue agencies have been asked to stay ready as officials continue to monitor water levels in rivers flowing towards Bihar.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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