Massive flash floods hit Nepal’s northern Rasuwa district near the Tibet border on Wednesday, leaving at least 98 people dead and more than 400 missing, including 133 Indians. Homes, vehicles, bridges and infrastructure projects were washed away, while the floodwaters also moved downstream towards Bihar.
The flood entered the Bhote Koshi river from the Tibetan side around 9 am and badly affected Timure and Syapru Besi. A mudslide also struck the Gyirong area in Tibet, causing deaths and leaving people missing.
Security footage showed people running away shortly before a huge flow of rocks, mud and water swept through the area. The exact cause of the disaster is still unclear, although a 4.4-magnitude earthquake was recorded around seven minutes before the footage was timestamped. Experts have also suggested that an ice-rock avalanche may have triggered the massive surge.
MAJOR DAMAGE IN RASUWA
Timure Bazaar, the customs area and several roads and bridges were badly damaged. The Friendship Bridge at Rasuwagadhi, which had been rebuilt after last year's floods, was washed away again.
Three Nepal Police facilities were damaged, while nine Armed Police Force personnel were reported missing.
The floods also affected hydropower projects, with around 430 MW of electricity capacity impacted. Roads and transport links were disrupted, and several areas became difficult to reach.
RESCUE OPERATIONS FACE CHALLENGES
The Nepal government deployed police, the Army and Armed Police Force for rescue operations. Two Army helicopters were sent to the affected region, but high water levels prevented them from landing in some areas.
Officials warned people living near the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers to move to safer locations as the flood moved downstream.
Authorities are also concerned that another flood could occur if a blockage upstream suddenly breaks.
BIHAR ON HIGH ALERT
Since the Bhote Koshi eventually feeds into river systems that enter India, Bihar authorities have increased monitoring.
Six districts along the Kosi, Gandak and Ganga river systems have been placed under special vigilance. The Centre and Bihar government are coordinating with relief agencies and keeping NDRF teams ready.
INDIA OFFERS HELP
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah and offered India's full support for rescue and relief efforts.
India is also preparing to send relief material to Nepal on two flights, with one scheduled for Wednesday night and another for Thursday morning.
With rescue operations continuing and floodwaters still moving downstream, authorities in Nepal, Tibet and Bihar remain on high alert.
