At least 157 people have been killed and hundreds remain missing after a massive flash flood swept through parts of central Nepal, devastating towns and villages and causing widespread damage to bridges, hydropower projects and other infrastructure.
The disaster originated near the Nepal-Tibet border and sent a powerful surge of muddy water, rocks and debris through the region. Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said the flood entered the Trishuli River through the Bhote Koshi at Timure in Rasuwa district following a rockslide and the swelling of the Lhende River.
The floodwaters then spread downstream across several districts, including Nuwakot, Chitwan, Gorkha, Tanahu and Nawalparasi East, affecting areas extending nearly 200 kilometres from Kathmandu.
Nepal Police reported 157 deaths, while government officials said around 500 people were still missing. China’s state-run media reported three deaths and 265 people missing on the Chinese side of the border.
Among those missing are at least 133 Indian nationals, including around 50 pilgrims travelling for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Tourists from more than two dozen countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Malaysia, South Africa and the Netherlands, are also reportedly missing.
Nepalese Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal told the House of Representatives that an earthquake struck the Tibet region at 8:37 am local time, followed by reports of flash flooding three minutes later. He suggested that tremors may have triggered a glacial outburst, although the exact cause of the disaster remains under investigation.
Around 100 people have so far been rescued from affected areas, with 30 receiving treatment at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu. Eight operational hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 354 megawatts were damaged, along with five projects under construction. Nineteen motorable bridges were also washed away.
Nepal’s Army, Armed Police Force and Police have been mobilised for search, rescue and relief operations. Officials have warned of the possibility of further hazards as rescue teams continue working in the affected areas.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah and assured him of India’s full support and humanitarian assistance. India has already sent an initial consignment of relief supplies to Nepal.
The Embassy of India in Kathmandu has issued emergency helplines for Indian nationals at +977 985 131 6807 and +977 970 910 7500. The Embassy of India in Beijing has also provided a helpline at 0086 185 1428 4905, including WhatsApp support.
China has launched its own rescue operation. President Xi Jinping ordered all-out efforts to locate and rescue missing people, while 145 officers and soldiers from the People’s Armed Police were deployed to the affected border area. Xi also called for stronger monitoring, early-warning systems and precautions against secondary disasters.
Nepalese President Ramchandra Paudel expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extensive damage caused by the floods.
