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.
15.jpg)
14.jpg)
---copy.jpg)
13.jpg)
14.jpg)
---copy7.jpg)
