A devastating flash flood that originated in Tibet swept through central Nepal early Wednesday, leaving nearly 400 Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims out of contact. The incident occurred in Nepal's Rasuwa district, close to the Tibet border, as pilgrims were preparing to cross into China.
Pilgrims Stranded Near Border
The Nepal Tourism Board initially reported 384 travelers missing, including 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepalis. Among the foreign contingent, 105 were Indian citizens, making them the largest identified group. Other nationalities included Australians, Dutch, Americans, Malaysians, British, and South Africans.
Bashu Kumar Adhikari, Managing Director of Touch Kailash Travels & Tours, confirmed that 390 pilgrims, including 93 Nepalis, were scheduled to cross the Rasuwagadhi border point. "Except for a few, we have not been able to establish contact with the pilgrims as of 3 pm," Adhikari stated.
Several agencies were facilitating these journeys, with Trekkers Society having the largest group of 92 clients, followed by Samrat Tours and Travels with 71, and Himalayan Glacier with 62.
Widespread Devastation and India's Response
The flash flood caused widespread destruction, damaging towns and villages, washing away bridges, and impacting at least a dozen hydropower projects. The critical route connecting Nepal with Tibet was also disrupted, affecting settlements and infrastructure around Rasuwagadhi.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah, extending condolences for the loss of lives and offering India's full support. "The people of India stand in solidarity with their sisters and brothers in Nepal at this difficult time," Modi posted on X, adding that India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance.
In response, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has placed its transport aircraft fleet, including the C-17, C-130J, and C-295, on standby for relief operations. A C-130J transport aircraft was expected to depart with relief materials for Nepal by late Wednesday evening.