Nepal Home Minister Visits Flood-Hit Nuwakot, Directs Rescue Teams

Nepal Home Minister Sudan Gurung visited flood-affected areas of Nuwakot district on Sunday to assess the situation on the ground and review ongoing search-and-rescue operations.

Gurung inspected affected locations and met personnel involved in the emergency response as authorities continue efforts to locate missing people and assist communities hit by the devastating floods.

The minister's visit comes as Nepal remains on high alert following a catastrophic flood and debris-flow event that swept through parts of the Himalayan region, destroying homes, roads and critical infrastructure.

Gurung Assesses Ground Situation

The Home Minister visited affected areas in Nuwakot to assess the extent of damage and review the response mounted by government agencies.

During the visit, Gurung interacted with rescue personnel and officials working in the disaster-hit areas.

The assessment is aimed at identifying urgent requirements and ensuring that rescue operations remain focused on locations where people could still be trapped or missing.

Nuwakot is among the districts that suffered significant damage after floodwaters and debris moved downstream through river valleys.

Instructions to Rescue Teams

Gurung directed rescue teams to maintain focus on searching for missing people and reaching affected communities.

Rescue operations have been complicated by damaged roads, debris, unstable terrain and continuing changes in river conditions.

Teams have been working in difficult conditions while attempting to reach areas that remain inaccessible by normal transport.

The Home Minister's instructions are intended to improve coordination between rescue personnel and local authorities as operations continue.

Nuwakot Among Worst-Hit Areas

Nuwakot lies downstream of the Himalayan river systems affected by the disaster.

The district experienced severe flooding and damage to infrastructure after a powerful surge of water and debris moved through the region.

Homes, roads, bridges and other structures were damaged in several locations.

The continuing risk of rising water levels has also forced authorities to maintain close monitoring of rivers and streams.

Bhote Koshi Warning

Gurung's visit comes as Nepal's disaster authorities have issued a fresh warning over rising water levels in the Bhote Koshi River.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has urged residents and rescue teams in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading to remain cautious.

Authorities are monitoring the river and downstream systems because water levels can rise rapidly.

The warning is particularly significant for rescue teams operating close to riverbanks and damaged infrastructure.

Rescue Operations Intensify

Search operations continue across affected parts of Nepal as authorities attempt to locate thousands of people reported missing.

Rescue teams are searching through damaged settlements, riverbanks and infrastructure affected by the floods.

Hydropower facilities have also become key areas of operation, with workers believed to be trapped inside some tunnels.

Nepal's army and other emergency teams are using specialised equipment to reach difficult locations.

International assistance has also begun arriving, including technical rescue teams and humanitarian supplies.

Families Await Information

The disaster has left families across affected districts waiting for information about missing relatives.

Rescue centres have been receiving reports from families seeking updates on people who have not returned home.

The identification of recovered victims is another major challenge because of the scale and severity of the disaster.

Forensic assistance, including DNA analysis, is being used to help authorities identify victims and provide information to families.

International Assistance

Nepal has received support from neighbouring countries and international partners following the disaster.

India has sent multiple relief flights carrying emergency supplies, specialised rescue personnel and forensic experts.

The United States has also announced more than $3.6 million in humanitarian assistance for Nepal, including emergency food support for affected households.

The international assistance is aimed at supporting Nepal's immediate rescue, relief and recovery requirements.

What Happens Next

Rescue teams are expected to continue searching affected areas in Nuwakot and other districts as weather and terrain conditions permit.

Authorities will also monitor the Bhote Koshi and downstream rivers for further rises in water levels.

The immediate priorities remain locating missing people, rescuing survivors, providing essential supplies and restoring access to damaged communities.

Officials have urged residents to follow local safety instructions and avoid approaching swollen rivers or unstable areas.