Nepal Flash Floods Kill 19, Over 100 Indians Among Those Missing
New Delhi: A devastating flash flood in Nepal has left at least 19 people dead, while hundreds remain unaccounted for, including 105 Indian nationals, after powerful torrents of water swept through several Himalayan districts bordering Tibet.
The flooding occurred along the Bhote Koshi River, affecting areas of Nuwakot, Dhading and Rasuwa. Authorities said floodwaters originating from the Tibetan side of the border surged into Nepal, damaging settlements, roads and critical infrastructure.
According to Nepal Tourism Board figures, 384 people — including 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali citizens — have been reported missing from the affected areas. Among the foreign nationals, 105 are Indians.
The situation has also affected security personnel. Nepal Police said 26 of its personnel remain missing in Rasuwa, while the Armed Police Force reported seven missing personnel.
Rescue teams are working to locate those trapped or missing, with the Nepal Army deploying helicopters and disaster-response personnel to the worst-hit areas. Officials are continuing to assess the full extent of the damage.
Hydropower Infrastructure Hit
The floods have caused extensive damage to Nepal’s electricity infrastructure. The Nepal Electricity Authority said at least six major hydropower and transmission facilities were affected, including the Rasuwagadhi, Chilime, Trishuli 3A and Trishuli 3B projects.
Damage to power-generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure has disrupted electricity supplies in several areas.
Several major highways have also been closed, making rescue and relief operations more difficult.
Terrifying Scenes Emerge
Videos shared by Nepal Police and others show enormous volumes of muddy water rushing through narrow mountain valleys, sweeping away structures and damaging roads and bridges.
Authorities have warned people living close to rivers and streams to move to safer locations as rescue teams continue operations.
Nepal Police spokesperson Abi Narayan Kafle said authorities were still trying to determine the full scale of the destruction, warning that several settlements may have been affected.
Nepal Steps Up Emergency Response
Prime Minister Balendra Shah convened an emergency meeting of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority to review the situation and coordinate relief efforts.
Medical teams, security personnel, scouts and Red Cross workers have been mobilised as authorities work to reach affected communities and establish the whereabouts of those reported missing.
The disaster comes during Nepal’s annual monsoon season, when heavy rainfall frequently triggers floods and landslides. Scientists have also warned that climate change is contributing to more frequent and intense extreme-weather events across South Asia.
For families in Nepal and India waiting for news of their loved ones, rescue teams now face a race against time as authorities continue searching through the flood-hit Himalayan region.
News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
