Nepal is facing a major flood emergency after a sudden surge in the Bhote Koshi River swept through parts of the country’s northern region, leaving more than 50 people dead and several others missing.
Among those reported missing are 105 Indian nationals, according to the information available so far. Rescue teams are continuing to search through areas cut off by floodwaters, damaged roads and destroyed infrastructure.
The flash flood struck on Wednesday morning, with the initial surge reported at around 9 am local time in the Rasuwa district near Nepal’s border with Tibet.
Sudden River Surge Causes Widespread Destruction
The Bhote Koshi River reportedly swelled rapidly, sending powerful floodwaters through areas including Timure and Syafrubesi.
The floodwater later moved downstream towards the Trishuli River, affecting Nuwakot and other surrounding areas.
Vehicles, houses, shops and other property were reportedly swept away as the water moved through affected settlements. Several communities were left cut off, making it difficult for rescue personnel to reach those stranded.
The sudden nature of the disaster has added to the difficulties faced by authorities as they attempt to establish the full scale of the damage.
Houses, Bridges And Power Projects Damaged
The flooding has caused significant damage to infrastructure in Rasuwa and Nuwakot.
Reports indicate that around 60 houses near Trishuli Bazaar in Nuwakot were swept away. At least two bridges over the Trishuli River were also reportedly damaged or destroyed.
Several important power and hydropower facilities have also been affected. Among the projects reported to have suffered damage are Rasuwagadhi, Chilime, Trishuli 3A and Devighat.
Roads, market areas, police posts and other public facilities have also been hit, further complicating rescue and relief operations.
Security Personnel Among Those Missing
Authorities are still working to determine the exact number of missing people because several affected locations remain difficult to access.
Security personnel are also believed to be among those unaccounted for. Reports indicate that nine Armed Police Force personnel stationed at a border outpost in Timure were still missing.
Other Nepal Police and security personnel may also be unaccounted for, although officials are continuing to verify the information.
Workers from the Rasuwa Customs Office are also feared to have been affected by the disaster.
Nepal Launches Large-Scale Rescue Operation
The Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police have been deployed across the affected areas to conduct search-and-rescue operations.
Around 12 helicopters, including four operated by the Nepal Army and eight private helicopters, have reportedly been deployed for rescue and evacuation efforts.
At least 12 people have been airlifted from flood-hit areas of Rasuwa, while seven injured people were transported by military helicopter to Dhunche Hospital for medical treatment.
Rescue teams are continuing to search areas where people may remain stranded or missing.
Prime Minister Calls Emergency Meeting
Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah has convened an emergency meeting to review the situation and coordinate rescue and relief operations.
Authorities have also urged people living near rivers and in downstream areas to move towards higher and safer locations as a precaution.
With water levels and conditions changing rapidly, officials have warned communities along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers to remain alert.
What Triggered The Sudden Flood?
The exact cause of the sudden rise in the Bhote Koshi River has not yet been established.
Nepalese authorities have said the flood surge came from the direction of the Chinese side of the border. Investigators and officials are examining whether the event could have been triggered by intense rainfall in the Tibetan region or a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF).
Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has issued warnings for communities downstream of the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers.
As rescue operations continue, authorities are expected to provide further updates on the number of casualties, missing people and the extent of damage caused by the devastating flash flood.
