Rescue operations intensify as floods damage roads, bridges and hydropower projects across central Nepal, while India steps up relief efforts
Nepal’s flash flood death toll rose to 177 on Thursday, with 826 people still missing, including nearly 300 Indian tourists, after an ice avalanche triggered a massive flood in the Lhende tributary of the Bhotekoshi River near the China border.
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said thousands of people remained untraced as authorities continued rescue operations and assessed the full extent of the disaster.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said those missing include security personnel, hydropower and customs workers, and 579 tourists, many of whom were travelling to Kailash Mansarovar and Gosainkunda.
The flooding first struck Timure near Rasuwagadhi before spreading across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and other parts of central Nepal. At least 73 people were injured, while 123 people stranded in Timure were rescued, including 29 foreigners.
A preliminary assessment attributed the disaster to an ice-rock landslide about 20 km upstream of Rasuwagadhi, which blocked the Lhende River before releasing a debris-filled surge into the Trishuli River.
The floods caused extensive infrastructure damage, affecting 35 motorable bridges, 45 suspension bridges and around 40 km of roads. Several major highways remain closed due to landslides, debris and continuing flood risks.
India has stepped up humanitarian assistance, sending relief supplies, medicines and food packets to Nepal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah and assured India’s full support.
Several Indian states are separately working to trace residents stranded or missing in Nepal. Tamil Nadu is monitoring Mansarovar pilgrims, Maharashtra is tracking nearly 80 tourists, while Karnataka and Kerala authorities are also coordinating rescue efforts.
Authorities in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have heightened vigilance over possible rises in the Gandak and Narayani rivers following the floods.
Also Read: BTC Deputy Speaker Bijit Gwra Narzary Found Dead at Tamulpur Residence: Circumstances Under Probe
