India keeps close eye as flash floods sweep Nepal; NDRF deployed in UP, Bihar

Devastating flash floods triggered by a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) along the Nepal-Tibet border near Rasuwagadhi have inundated the Bhote Koshi River, causing widespread destruction across Nepal. The floodwaters destroyed over 20 bridges and 40 kilometres of roads connecting Kathmandu to the border crossing, leaving dozens dead and hundreds missing, including numerous Indian nationals and international tourists. Nepal Prime Minister Balen Shah deployed armed forces and helicopters to execute search and rescue operations, which face severe obstacles from power supply disruptions, damaged helipads, and darkness. Due to ongoing flood threats along the Narayani, Kosi, Gandak, and Ganga river systems, Indian authorities placed the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Sashastra Seema Bal, and armed forces on high alert across Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar coordinated relief measures, dispatching ten tons of humanitarian assistance, medical supplies, and engineering teams, while keeping Indian Air Force C-17 and C-130J aircraft on standby for deployment.