Nepal is facing a major disaster after a devastating flash flood in the Bhote Koshi River system caused widespread destruction in the country's northern districts, with former Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali describing the scale of damage as “huge”. Rescue and recovery operations have continued as authorities assess casualties, missing people and damage to public and private infrastructure. 

162 Bodies Recovered

Speaking to ANI, Gyawali said rescue teams had continued their operations through the afternoon and overnight. According to his assessment, 162 bodies had been recovered, while more than 1,000 people remained out of contact. He also said a preliminary assessment put damage to public and private property at more than 200 billion Nepalese rupees. 

The figures are part of an evolving disaster situation, with search operations continuing in affected areas and authorities working to establish the full extent of the losses.

Bhote Koshi Flood Impact

The flash flood struck areas around Timure and Syafrubesi in Rasuwa district after a sudden surge entered the Bhote Koshi River from the Tibet side. The flooding affected downstream areas and damaged settlements, roads, bridges, vehicles and other infrastructure. 

Nepalese authorities have not yet established the precise cause of the sudden water surge. Officials said there had not been heavy rainfall in Rasuwa at the time and were examining possibilities including heavy rainfall on the Tibetan side, an avalanche or a glacial event. 

Infrastructure Hit Hard

The flooding has also affected Nepal's hydropower and trade infrastructure. The Independent Power Producers’ Association Nepal said eight operational hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 354 MW, along with five projects under construction in Rasuwa and Nuwakot, were damaged.

Among the affected operational facilities were the 111-MW Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project, the 78-MW Sanjen Khola project and the 60-MW Upper Trishuli 3A project. A bridge and vehicles and goods stored at the Rasuwa customs premises were also reportedly swept away. 

The damage has particular significance because Rasuwa lies near Nepal's border with Tibet and is an important route for trade and transport.

Foreign Nationals Missing

The disaster has also raised concerns over foreign nationals in the affected region. Nepal's Tourism Board reported that 291 foreign nationals, including 105 Indians, were reported missing after the flash flood. Search and rescue teams, including the Nepal Army, have been deployed in the affected areas. 

Authorities have placed several downstream districts, including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Chitawan, on alert and urged people living close to riverbanks to remain cautious.

India Sends Humanitarian Aid

India has stepped up its humanitarian response as Nepal deals with the disaster. The assistance comes amid continuing rescue and relief operations and concerns over the safety of people affected by the flooding.

The response underlines the close humanitarian and disaster-response cooperation between the two neighbouring countries, particularly during emergencies affecting communities along the Himalayan region.

Rescue Operations Continue

For Nepalese authorities, the immediate priority remains locating missing people, recovering victims and reaching communities affected by the sudden flood. The possibility of further flooding from the Tibetan side has also not been completely ruled out, prompting authorities to maintain heightened vigilance along downstream river systems. T

he full economic and infrastructure impact is likely to become clearer as assessment teams gain access to affected areas. With major hydropower facilities, transport links and trade infrastructure damaged, the disaster could have consequences extending beyond the immediate rescue operation.

Gyawali's account highlights the scale of the challenge facing Nepal, while the continuing Indian humanitarian assistance adds a regional dimension to the emergency response.

Uttar Pradesh has been placed on high alert following the devastating flash floods in neighbouring Nepal, with authorities conducting 24-hour monitoring in border districts and activating emergency arrangements for Indians who may be stranded or missing in the disaster-hit country. Bihar and other states have also stepped up preparedness as officials monitor the possible downstream impact of the floods. 

The flash floods, which struck Nepal's Rasuwa district and areas along the Bhote Koshi river corridor, have caused extensive loss of life and infrastructure. The disaster has also affected foreign tourists and pilgrims, including Indian nationals, prompting Indian state governments and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu to establish helplines for families seeking information about relatives. 

UP Begins 24-Hour Monitoring

The Uttar Pradesh government has directed officials in vulnerable border districts to maintain round-the-clock vigilance amid concerns over possible changes in river levels. The state has also issued emergency helpline number 1070 for people from Uttar Pradesh seeking assistance for relatives stranded in Nepal. 

The precautionary measures are significant because rivers originating in or flowing through Nepal feed into river systems in northern India. The Narayani River, for instance, becomes the Gandak after entering India and flows through Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, creating a direct hydrological link between the two countries. 

Bihar Also on Alert

Bihar has similarly been placed on high alert, with authorities monitoring the Gandak and other river systems for any sudden rise in water levels. The Centre has directed agencies to remain prepared, while National Disaster Response Force teams have been deployed in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh as a precautionary measure. 

The focus is on preventing loss of life in vulnerable areas, particularly settlements located close to rivers and low-lying zones. Officials are also keeping emergency response teams ready in case water levels rise rapidly.

States Open Helplines

Several Indian states have activated dedicated control rooms to help families locate residents who may have been travelling in Nepal. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has also issued emergency contact numbers for Indian nationals requiring assistance. 

According to the latest information compiled by The Statesman, helplines have been activated in states including Karnataka, Telangana, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala, Rajasthan, Odisha and Sikkim. Families have been advised to provide details such as the traveller's full name, passport number, mobile number, last known location, accommodation and travel itinerary when contacting authorities. 

For Uttar Pradesh residents, the emergency number is 1070. The Indian Embassy's emergency contacts listed for people seeking assistance in Nepal are +977 985 131 6807 and +977 970 910 7500, with WhatsApp access also available. 

Hundreds Still Missing

The scale of the Nepal disaster has made the tracing of stranded Indians a major concern. Reports indicate that hundreds of people remain missing following the sudden flood, while the death toll has continued to rise as rescue teams recover bodies from affected areas.

The disaster has affected villages, roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure along the Himalayan corridor. Rescue operations remain difficult because of damaged communications, blocked roads and the continuing risk of landslides and additional flooding. 

India Keeps Agencies Ready

Indian authorities are treating the situation as both a humanitarian emergency and a potential downstream flood risk. The Centre has maintained close coordination with the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, while disaster-response agencies remain prepared for any deterioration in conditions. 

The immediate priority is to protect vulnerable communities on the Indian side, track river levels and assist Indians caught in the Nepal disaster. Officials are also urging families searching for relatives to use the designated control rooms and provide complete identification and travel information to speed up tracing efforts.

The situation remains fluid, with rescue operations continuing in Nepal and authorities on both sides of the border monitoring developments closely.

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Thursday visited the Gandak River and conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas along the state’s border with Nepal as authorities remained on high alert following the devastating flash floods in the neighbouring country. The Chief Minister reviewed preparedness and precautionary measures in areas including Bagaha, Valmiki Nagar, Bettiah and Motihari. 

The survey came amid concerns over the impact of floodwaters entering the Gandak river system from Nepal. Bihar authorities have been closely monitoring river levels and the Valmikinagar Gandak Barrage, while disaster-response arrangements have been strengthened in vulnerable districts. 

CM Reviews Border Areas

During the aerial survey, Choudhary assessed the situation in the border areas of Bagaha, Valmiki Nagar, Bettiah and Motihari. He also reviewed administrative preparations aimed at dealing with any potential impact of the Nepal floods.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister said the review covered precautionary measures, safety arrangements and relief and rescue preparedness. He directed officials to take all necessary steps with complete readiness, stressing that the safety of people in flood-prone areas remained the priority. 

Gandak Water Flow Monitored

The Gandak has become a key focus for Bihar after floodwaters from Nepal entered the river system and reached the Gandak Barrage at Valmikinagar in West Champaran.

Authorities opened all 36 gates of the barrage to manage the increased inflow. The discharge reached around 1.50 lakh cusecs at 11 pm on Wednesday before beginning to decline on Thursday morning. The Water Resources Department said the discharge had fallen to around 1.04 lakh cusecs by Thursday morning. 

The receding trend offered some relief to residents in low-lying parts of northern Bihar, although officials continued to monitor the river system closely.

Districts Remain on Alert

The Nepal disaster prompted Bihar to strengthen its preparedness across districts connected to the Gandak and other river systems. High alerts were issued in several northern districts, including West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Madhubani, Supaul and Khagaria. 

The administration has been instructed to maintain vigilance and ensure that emergency response teams and essential supplies are available if conditions deteriorate.

Earlier, Choudhary had directed officials to maintain round-the-clock monitoring of vulnerable areas and ensure continuous vigilance along dams and embankments as the situation in Nepal developed. 

NDRF, SDRF Prepared

Disaster-response agencies have also been kept ready as a precaution. NDRF teams have been deployed in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, while state agencies are monitoring vulnerable locations and river levels.

The Centre has also been coordinating with the two states. Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with the Chief Ministers of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and assured them of central assistance in dealing with any downstream impact from the Nepal floods. 

Nepal Disaster Raises Concern

The precautions in Bihar follow a catastrophic flash flood in Nepal that caused extensive destruction near the Nepal-Tibet border. The disaster affected the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems, damaging settlements, bridges and infrastructure and leaving hundreds of people dead or missing. 

The river connection between Nepal and northern India makes developments upstream important for Bihar. The Narayani River in Nepal becomes the Gandak after entering India and flows through parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, making sudden changes in upstream water levels a significant concern during extreme weather events. 

For Bihar, the immediate focus remains on monitoring the Gandak, protecting communities in vulnerable areas and ensuring that relief and rescue resources can be deployed quickly if required. While the river showed signs of receding on Thursday, authorities continued to maintain heightened vigilance along the Nepal border.

Families in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu are anxiously waiting for information about relatives who became untraceable or stranded after devastating flash floods hit Nepal, with several Indian pilgrims and tourists caught in the disaster near the Nepal-Tibet border. Authorities and rescue agencies are working to establish contact with those whose whereabouts remain unclear as communication networks in affected areas have been disrupted.

The disaster has triggered concern across several Indian states, particularly among families whose relatives were travelling to Nepal as part of Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage groups. Officials have activated helplines and control rooms to coordinate information about Indian nationals, while rescue operations continue in difficult conditions.

Kolkata Group Remains Untraceable

A 32-member group from Kolkata, comprising 30 tourists and two tour managers, has remained untraceable after the flash floods struck the Rasuwagadhi area near the Nepal-Tibet border. The group had left Kolkata on August 21 and reached Nepal the following day before travelling towards the border. (The Times of India)

According to officials, the group was at an immigration office at around 8:30 am when the flash flood hit the area. There has been no communication with the members since the disaster, adding to the uncertainty for their families back home. 

Officials in West Bengal are attempting to establish contact with residents who may have been in the affected region, but damaged infrastructure and disrupted communication have complicated the effort.

Tamil Nadu Families Await Updates

Concern is also mounting in Tamil Nadu, where several pilgrims travelling in Nepal have been affected. Officials said 37 of 57 tourists from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry remained unaccounted for, while 20 had been traced and were reported safe.

The group had travelled for a pilgrimage and was caught in the flash flood in the Bhote Koshi River region. Families have been closely following updates as authorities attempt to locate the remaining travellers and facilitate communication with those who have reached safer areas.

Reports from Tamil Nadu have highlighted the uncertainty faced by relatives who have been unable to speak directly with family members since the disaster. The affected pilgrims include people from districts such as Thanjavur, Kumbakonam and Mayiladuthurai. 

More Indians Among Missing

The concerns in Bengal and Tamil Nadu are part of a wider effort to trace Indian nationals caught in the Nepal disaster. Earlier figures indicated that more than 130 Indians, including pilgrims travelling on the Mansarovar route, were among those missing or unaccounted for. 

The numbers have continued to evolve as rescue teams establish contact with survivors and recover information from affected areas. Reuters reported on Thursday that nearly 500 foreigners were among 826 people reported missing in Nepal, with 177 Indians listed among the missing tourists. 

The disaster has also affected travellers from several other countries, underscoring the scale of the disruption along the Himalayan pilgrimage and tourism corridor.

Rescue Operations Continue

The flash floods caused extensive destruction across parts of Nepal, sweeping away roads, bridges, buildings and other infrastructure. Rescue teams have been using helicopters to reach people stranded in isolated areas, while emergency supplies are being delivered to communities cut off by the disaster. 

The rescue operation remains challenging because several affected areas have suffered communication breakdowns and road connectivity has been severely damaged. Authorities are continuing searches for missing people while also working to evacuate those trapped in vulnerable locations.

The disaster has been linked to a glacial collapse and debris flow in the Himalayan region, rather than the earthquake initially suspected. The sudden release of water and debris produced a powerful flood surge through populated areas. 

Helplines Help Families

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu and several state governments have established helplines for Indians stranded in Nepal and their relatives in India. Tamil Nadu is among the states coordinating assistance for affected travellers, while other states have also opened control rooms as the list of missing and stranded Indians is assessed. 

For families in Kolkata, Tamil Nadu and elsewhere, the immediate priority remains establishing contact with relatives and confirming their safety. With rescue operations still underway, authorities are expected to continue updating the status of Indian nationals as communication is restored and search teams reach affected locations.

The Nepal flash floods triggered concern in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Thursday, with the DMK, AIADMK and other opposition parties seeking details on the efforts to trace and rescue Tamil pilgrims stranded in the Himalayan country. The state government said rescue operations were underway in coordination with Nepal authorities and that steps were being taken to facilitate the safe return of those affected. 

The issue was raised through an attention-calling motion as legislators sought updates on the status of travellers caught in the devastating floods in Nepal's Rasuwa district. The incident has left families in Tamil Nadu waiting for information about relatives who travelled to Nepal for the Kailash pilgrimage.

Opposition Seeks Rescue Updates

Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin sought details on the number of calls received through government helplines and the steps being taken to trace people who remain unreachable. AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami also urged the government to ensure that all affected Tamil travellers are brought back safely.

Congress members called for the deployment of a helicopter to support rescue efforts and stressed the need for better advance warnings about disaster risks at tourist and pilgrimage destinations. PMK members also sought clarity on the status of those whose whereabouts remained unknown. 

The Assembly discussion followed reports that a group of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry pilgrims was caught in flash floods along the Bhote Koshi River in Nepal.

57 Pilgrims Caught in Floods

According to information presented during the Assembly proceedings, 54 people from 10 districts of Tamil Nadu and three people from Puducherry had travelled to Nepal for the Kailash Yatra, taking the total to 57.

Earlier reports said 20 members of the group had been traced and were safe, while the whereabouts of the remaining 37 were still being established. The travellers had reportedly reached Nepal through a Kumbakonam-based travel agency. 

The situation has caused anxiety among families, particularly in the Kumbakonam and Thanjavur region, where relatives have been seeking updates about those travelling in the affected group.

Government Details Rescue Efforts

Tamil Nadu Minister A Rajmohan told the Assembly that the state government was taking necessary measures to assist stranded Tamils and was coordinating with the Nepal government for search and rescue operations.

The government has also been collecting information about the travellers and coordinating with relevant authorities to establish their locations and facilitate their return. A control room has been established at Tamil Nadu House in Delhi to assist affected people and their families.

The minister said the state had received 937 calls through its assistance mechanism as families sought information about those travelling in Nepal. 

Helplines Activated for Families

Tamil Nadu authorities have established 24-hour helplines for stranded Tamils and their relatives. The state government's Department of Non-Resident Tamils Welfare has provided separate contact arrangements for callers within India and those contacting the authorities from abroad. 

The helpline mechanism is intended to help families receive updates and provide authorities with information that could assist in tracing missing or stranded travellers.

Difficult Rescue Conditions

Rescue operations in Nepal are being carried out under challenging conditions following severe flooding in the Bhote Koshi river system. Damaged roads, difficult terrain and disrupted communication networks have complicated efforts to reach affected areas and establish contact with travellers. 

The flash floods have caused extensive damage in parts of Nepal, with both local residents and foreign travellers affected. Search teams are continuing efforts to locate missing people and move stranded groups to safer locations.

For families in Tamil Nadu, the immediate concern remains confirmation of the safety of those whose whereabouts are still unclear. The state government has said it will continue coordination with Nepal authorities as rescue operations progress and further information becomes available.