Central Nepal is grappling with the aftermath of catastrophic flash floods that have claimed over 150 lives and left hundreds more unaccounted for. The disaster, believed to have been triggered by a glacier collapse near the Tibet border, sent a massive surge of ice, debris, mud, and water through river systems, particularly the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers.
Extensive Damage and Missing Persons
The confirmed death toll has exceeded 150, with officials cautioning that this number is likely to rise as search and rescue operations continue. Among the missing are over 130 Indian citizens, many of whom were pilgrims traveling along the Kailash Mansarovar route. The flood's impact has been widespread, affecting districts like Rasuwa, Dhading, Nuwakot, Chitwan, Gorkha, Tanahu, and Nawalparasi East, spanning a corridor 70 to 200 kilometers from Kathmandu.
Infrastructure has sustained severe damage. At least 19 motorable bridges have been destroyed, and a 42-kilometer stretch of road connecting Betrawati to the Rasuwagadhi border point has been wiped out. Communication networks are largely down in affected pockets, complicating efforts to trace stranded individuals. Eight operational hydropower plants, generating a combined 354 MW, have been damaged, along with five others under construction.
Specific Concerns for Missing Pilgrims
- Indian Pilgrims: Nepal's Tourism Ministry confirmed 133 Indian pilgrims on the Kailash Mansarovar route are missing.
- Isha Foundation: 77 members of the Isha Foundation, last seen at an immigration office, remain untraceable.
- State-wise Reports: Tamil Nadu has 37 tourists untraced, while Maharashtra confirmed four safe but stranded. Kerala reported a 36-member group safe.
Helpline numbers for relatives seeking updates have been activated: +977 985 131 6807 and +977 970 910 7500.
International Response and Aid Efforts
India has swiftly mobilized humanitarian assistance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with his Nepali counterpart, Balendra Shah, pledging full support. An Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft has already delivered 10 tonnes of relief materials, including shelters, blankets, hygiene supplies, solar lighting, and medicines. Further deliveries are planned, with C-17 and C-130 aircraft, and helicopters on standby for evacuation.
Across the border, China's Tibet region has also reported casualties, with three dead and 265 missing in the Gyirong border zone due to mudslides and flooding. Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for extensive search and rescue operations and tightened disaster monitoring. Nepal's military, armed police, and civil police are conducting rescue missions, heavily relying on helicopters to reach isolated areas.
Bihar on High Alert
As flood runoff entered the Gandak river system, authorities in India's Bihar state opened all 36 gates of the Gandak Barrage at Valmikinagar. A high alert has been declared across several districts, including West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Saran, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Sitamarhi, and Sheohar, with NDRF units, boats, and evacuation plans in place.