Kathmandu: Devastating flash floods and massive mudslides triggered by torrential rains near the Tibet border have wreaked havoc across several central districts in Nepal. At least 157 people have been confirmed dead, while nearly 500 others remain missing, according to officials. Among those missing are 133 Indian nationals who were traveling for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.
The swelling of the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers severely impacted Rasuwa, Dhading, Nuwakot, and Chitwan districts. Raging floodwaters swamped residential areas, swept away bridges, destroyed houses, and damaged over a dozen hydropower projects in the region.
Rescue operations are currently underway in full swing, led by the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and the Armed Police Force. The Nepal Army has deployed 12 helicopters to carry out search and rescue missions in hard-to-reach areas. An emergency treatment center has also been set up at the Military Training Centre in Trishuli to provide medical care to injured survivors.
Extending immediate support, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah and assured him of all possible humanitarian assistance. Hours later, India dispatched its first tranche of 10 tonnes of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) materials aboard an IAF C-130J transport aircraft to Kathmandu.
Following the massive water influx from upstream rivers, neighboring Indian states including Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have been placed on high alert. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) have been mobilized along the 1,751-km India-Nepal border to manage potential flooding risks.
Emergency Helpline Numbers: The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has released emergency contact numbers for assistance regarding Indian nationals affected by the flood:
+977 985 131 6807 or +977 970 910 7500.
