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.