Nepal floods: Over 100 Indians missing; UP, Bihar on alert as Gandak river swells

At least 105 Indians and 37 NRIs are among nearly 400 people reported missing after a massive flash flood swept through Nepal’s Rasuwa district near the Tibet border on Wednesday, killing at least 17 people and causing widespread damage to settlements and infrastructure.The sudden surge in the Bhote Koshi River struck the Rasuwagadhi-Timure area at around 9 am local time, affecting Rasuwa as well as parts of neighbouring Nuwakot and Dhading districts.The flooding washed away vehicles, goods, bridges and other infrastructure, while several hydropower projects were also damaged.105 Indians, 37 missingAccording to a preliminary list compiled by the Nepal Tourism Board, 384 travellers, including 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali nationals, have been reported missing following the flash flood.Of the foreign nationals, 105 are Indian tourists and 37 are non-resident Indians (NRIs). The list also includes travellers from the US, Malaysia, the UK, South Africa, Australia and the Netherlands, while the nationalities of some others are yet to be confirmed.The Tourism Board said the list is preliminary and is being verified in coordination with travel agencies, guides, local authorities and security agencies. It urged travellers and their families not to draw conclusions until the verification process is complete.Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims among those missingA large number of those out of contact are believed to be pilgrims travelling to Tibet for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.Bashu Kumar Adhikari, managing director of Kathmandu-based Touch Kailash Travels & Tours, said 390 pilgrims, including 93 Nepalis, were scheduled to cross the border on Wednesday.“Except for a few, we have not been able to establish contact with the pilgrims as of 3pm,” Adhikari said, according to The Kathmandu Post.Sagar Pandey, president of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal, said efforts were underway to contact the pilgrims and assess their condition.Seventeen dead, rescue operations under wayThe devastating floods in Rasuwa have claimed 17 lives, while 26 police personnel stationed across Tinmure, Syabrubesi, Mailung and Rasuwagadhi remain missing, NepalNews reported.Four bodies were also recovered from Bidur Municipality in Nuwakot and found near the Trishuli river, according to police.The Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police have been deployed for search-and-rescue operations. Fourteen helicopters, along with drones and sniffer dogs, are being used to locate missing people and assist in rescue efforts.The Nepal Army said six people were rescued from Syafrubesi, two from Mailung and four from Dhunche in Rasuwa. It has also set up a treatment centre at the Military Training Centre No. 1 in Trishuli to provide emergency medical care to those affected.Earlier, four Armed Police Force personnel were reported missing from Rasuwa, while nine personnel stationed at Timure, near the Nepal-China border, were also unaccounted for.PM Modi expresses solidarity with NepalPrime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah and expressed condolences over the loss of lives in the devastating floods.“Spoke to Prime Minister Balendra Shah and conveyed condolences on the loss of lives due to the floods in Nepal. The people of India stand in solidarity with their sisters and brothers in Nepal at this difficult time," PM Modi posted on X.“India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance to Nepal. Our teams are coordinating closely on rescue and relief efforts,” he added.Flood alert issued along Gandak river in BiharThe Indian government has issued an advisory after a sudden rise in the water level of Nepal’s Trishuli river at Furke Khola, around 160 km from the Indian border, was reported amid suspected glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) activity near the Nepal-China border.The advisory said the flood wave is expected to move downstream into the Gandak river, with its intensity likely to reduce as it travels. Authorities in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh along the India-Nepal border have been asked to remain alert and closely monitor the situation.Authorities have also been advised to take necessary precautionary measures along the Gandak river. The gates of the Gandak Barrage should be operated in a manner that allows the anticipated floodwater to pass through safely.Amit Shah speaks to Bihar CMIn view of the potential flood threat in Bihar following heavy rainfall in Nepal, Union home minister Amit Shah spoke to Bihar chief minister Samrat Choudhary over the phone, according to news agency ANI.Shah assured the Bihar government of all possible assistance to deal with the situation. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is also being mobilised to respond to any emergency.UP CM urges districts to remain vigilantUttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath expressed concern over the flood situation in Nepal and directed local authorities in vulnerable districts to remain alert.In a post on X, Yogi said, "The damage caused by the devastating floods in the Bhote Koshi River in Nepal's Rasuwa region is extremely worrying. Prayers to Lord Pashupatinath for the safety of all.""In view of the rise in water levels of the Gandak and Narayani rivers and the possibility of flooding in Uttar Pradesh's districts of Maharajganj and Kushinagar due to its impact, instructions have been issued to the local administration to remain fully vigilant and ensure necessary preparations," he added.What caused the flash flood?The exact cause of the sudden rise in the Bhote Koshi River remains unclear. Nepal's Department of Hydrology and Meteorology said the flooding was not caused by rainfall in Rasuwa.Officials are examining whether it could have been triggered by a glacial lake outburst flood, a landslide or another event on the Tibetan side of the border.Dinkar Kayastha, information officer at the department, said, “We are still studying the matter, so the real cause is not yet known.”He also warned that the risk from the Tibetan side had not disappeared and said, “we need to be cautious.”Officials have received informal information that a landslide may have temporarily blocked a river in Tibet before the swollen water burst through, but this has not yet been confirmed.Widespread damage, villages washed awayRasuwa has emerged as the worst-hit district, with Timure and Syafrubesi among the areas suffering extensive damage. Vehicles and goods stored at the customs premises were swept away and a recently built bridge was destroyed.Several settlements along the river have also been affected, including Syaphrubesi, Betrawati, Mailung, Salletar, Shantibazar, Pairebesi, Khalti Basti, Sole, Trishuli and Battar.A bridge in Gajuri in Dhading district was also washed away.The flash flood has severely affected Nepal's trade route with Tibet, with infrastructure at Rasuwagadhi, an important border crossing with China, damaged in the disaster.Hydropower projects damagedThe flooding has also hit Nepal's hydropower sector. According to the Independent Power Producers' Association Nepal, eight operational hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 354 MW and five projects under construction in Rasuwa and Nuwakot were damaged.Among the affected operational projects are the 111-MW Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project, 78-MW Sanjen Khola Hydropower Project and 60-MW Upper Trishuli 3A project.Authorities issue safety warningNepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has placed several downstream districts, including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitawan and Gorkha, on high alert.Authorities have urged people living near the Trishuli and other rivers to stay away from riverbanks and move to safer areas. Tourists in the affected regions have also been advised to remain calm, stay informed and follow official safety instructions.As per local media, those needing emergency assistance can contact 1234, 1144 or the Tourist Police at 9851289445, or inform the nearest police or security post, local administration, travel agency, guide or tour operator.