Flash flood from Tibet wreaks havoc in Nepal; 105 Indians among nearly 400 missing; Indian Embassy issues helpline numbers
A sudden flood originating from Tibet has caused massive devastation in Nepal's Rasuwa district. A sudden rise in the water level of the Bhote Koshi River has damaged several houses in the Timure and Syabrubesi areas. A hydro-power project in Rasuwa was also swept away by the floodwaters. Eight people have reportedly died in the incident so far.
384 people missing, including 105 Indians
A large number of people are reported missing following the floods. According to Nepal's Department of Tourism, the whereabouts of approximately 384 people remain unknown. Among them are 291 foreign tourists, including 105 Indian nationals.
Contact lost with 400 Mansarovar pilgrims
Contact has also reportedly been lost with about 400 pilgrims en route to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra following the sudden flood at Rasuwagadhi.
The floods have also affected villages along the Nepal-China border. Several roads and other critical infrastructure have been damaged.
14 helicopters deployed for relief and rescue operations
Nine police personnel stationed at the Timure border post are also reported missing. Fourteen helicopters have been deployed for relief and rescue operations. Efforts to evacuate people stranded in the affected areas and search for the missing are ongoing.
Indian Embassy issues helpline numbers
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has issued emergency numbers for information regarding Indian nationals injured or missing in the disaster.
Emergency numbers:
977 985 131 6807
977 970 910 7500
Impact of the flash floods in Nepal could extend to India
There are concerns that the impact of the flash floods in Nepal could extend to India. In view of this, an alert has been issued for eight districts in Bihar. These include West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Saran, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Sitamarhi, and Sheohar.
Apprehension of Flash Floods in the Gandak River
Bihar's Disaster Management Department has warned of a potential flash flood wave, approximately three meters high, in the Gandak River. The administration has stepped up monitoring in the affected districts, and necessary preparations are underway to handle the situation.
The sudden flood, which struck Nepal on Wednesday morning, has caused widespread devastation in border settlements. In light of this natural disaster, several districts with low-lying areas have been placed on high alert.