Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
A massive flash flood originating near the Nepal-Tibet border has caused widespread destruction across central Nepal, killing at least 100 people and leaving hundreds missing.
The disaster followed a landslide near the Nepal-Tibet border, while a 5.2-magnitude earthquake was also recorded in the region, according to the US Geological Survey. Nepali officials have suggested that the tremor may have triggered a glacial outburst or landslide, sending a huge volume of water, mud and debris into the Bhote Koshi River. Rasuwa and Dhading were among the worst-hit districts, with the flood later spreading along the river system to several other districts.
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The disaster has also raised serious concerns in India, with more than 130 Indian nationals among those reported missing. More than 150 people have died so far, while local authorities fear the toll could rise further. Many of those affected were travelling on the Kailash Mansarovar route. Critical infrastructure across Nepal, including roads, bridges and hydropower projects, has suffered extensive damage. The neighbouring Tibet region of China has also reported deaths and missing people.
Nepal has mobilised its Army, Armed Police Force and police for rescue operations, while helicopters are being used to reach stranded people. India has stepped up assistance, sending relief supplies and coordinating efforts to help affected Indian nationals. Bihar, which shares a border with Nepal, has also moved into high-alert mode as floodwaters entered the Gandak river system.
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At least 133 Indians and 37 NRIs are among those reported missing following the floods in Nepal. The disaster has caused particular concern in India because several missing Indians were travelling through the region on the Kailash Manasarovar route. At least 59 Indians were identified as pilgrims on the yatra. Communication links have been disrupted in several affected areas, making it difficult for families and authorities to establish the whereabouts of travellers. Indian missions and several state governments have opened helplines to help families seeking information about relatives who may have been stranded or affected by the floods.
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The flood surged through the Bhote Koshi River, severely affecting Rasuwa and Dhading districts along Nepal’s border with Tibet. From there, floodwaters entered the Trishuli River through Timure in Rasuwa and spread downstream. The disaster affected areas in Nuwakot, Chitwan, Gorkha, Tanahu and Nawalparasi East, with the impact stretching between roughly 70 km and nearly 200 km from Kathmandu. Videos from the region showed entire settlements being inundated, vehicles being swept away and bridges collapsing under the force of the water. Officials described extensive devastation along settlements located close to the rivers.
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The floods caused major damage to Nepal’s transport infrastructure. At least 19 motorable bridges were washed away, according to the government. A 42-km road connecting Betrawati in Nuwakot with the Rasuwagadhi border crossing in Rasuwa was also swept away. Videos showed bridges being battered by powerful currents before collapsing and being carried downstream. In one video, a bridge was engulfed by muddy water and destroyed within about 30 seconds. The damage has made access to several affected areas extremely difficult, complicating rescue and relief operations. Helicopters have therefore become a crucial part of the emergency response in the mountainous districts.
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The floods have caused extensive damage to Nepal’s hydropower infrastructure. According to the Independent Power Producers’ Association Nepal, eight operational hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 354 MW were damaged. Another five projects that were under construction were also affected. Among the major operational projects damaged were the 111-MW Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project, 78-MW Sanjen Khola Hydropower Project and 60-MW Upper Trishuli 3A.
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The Isha Foundation said 77 of its members were at an immigration centre when the flood struck and are currently unaccounted for. Founder Sadhguru said there had been no official information about the whereabouts of those who were at the immigration office. He said 495 people from the foundation had already returned safely. The Nepal government later said the entire staff of the particular immigration centre was also out of contact.
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The disaster was not confined to Nepal. The Gyirong border area in Tibet was also hit by mudslides and flooding. China reported three deaths and 265 people missing on its side of the border, although authorities said the figures were still being verified. The mudslide damaged roads, communications and power links around the Gyirong port. Chinese authorities deployed personnel and drones to assess the damage and prepare rescue operations. A rescuer quoted by Chinese state media said attempts to establish contact with the border port had not produced results and that roads leading to the crossing had been completely destroyed.
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India has responded to the disaster by sending humanitarian assistance to Nepal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah and assured him of all possible humanitarian assistance. India subsequently sent 10 tonnes of humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief material, including temporary shelters, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps and medicines. The supplies were transported to Kathmandu on an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft. India said additional air efforts involving C-17 and C-130 aircraft would transport more relief supplies, while helicopters were being kept ready for rescue and evacuation operations. Indian authorities are also coordinating with Nepal on relief efforts.
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The impact of the Nepal floods has raised concerns in neighbouring Bihar, where floodwaters from Nepal entered the Gandak river system. Authorities opened all 36 gates of the Gandak Barrage at Valmikinagar to manage the surge. Officials said the water flow was expected to peak around 11 pm before beginning to recede. Special vigilance was ordered in West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Saran, Muzaffarpur and Vaishali, along with vulnerable districts such as Sitamarhi and Sheohar. The state government directed officials to monitor rivers, embankments, bridges and low-lying areas, while NDRF teams, boats, shelters and evacuation plans were kept ready.
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Several Indian states have begun tracking residents who may have been affected by the floods. Tamil Nadu said the whereabouts of 37 of 57 tourists from the state were yet to be established, while 20 had been accounted for. Uttar Pradesh issued an advisory and activated its 1070 helpline for residents stranded in Nepal. Maharashtra reported four tourists from Mumbai and Pune who were safe but stuck in Nepal. Kerala said a 36-member group travelling in Nepal was safe and away from the affected areas, while Sikkim also opened helplines for families seeking information about relatives in Nepal. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has issued emergency contact numbers as well.
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Both Nepal and China have mobilised substantial resources as the disaster affected communities on either side of the border. Nepal’s Army, Armed Police Force and police are conducting rescue operations, while China sent 145 officers and soldiers from the Xigaze detachment of the People’s Armed Police to assist at the affected border port. Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered an all-out search and rescue operation and called for the evacuation of people at risk, timely medical treatment and stronger monitoring to prevent secondary disasters. Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah also chaired an emergency meeting and directed officials to provide necessary assistance to affected people.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
