Kathmandu: Severe flooding near the Tibet border has caused widespread destruction across Nepal’s central districts of Rasua, Dhading and Nuwakot, with around 160 people feared dead and hundreds reported missing. At least 133 Indians are among those missing, officials said.
Flash floods struck the Bhote Koshi River in Rasua district on Wednesday morning, sweeping away people and causing extensive damage in the region. According to the Nepal Tourism Board, most of the missing Indians are believed to be Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims.
Experts from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) suspect that an ice-rock avalanche in the Tibetan highlands may have triggered the disaster. Snow, meltwater and rock and soil debris are believed to have entered the river, causing a sudden rise in the water level.
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has issued emergency helpline numbers to assist Indian nationals affected by the floods and help locate those missing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah over the phone, expressed condolences over the loss of lives and assured India’s support in providing humanitarian assistance.
As part of the relief efforts, India has dispatched 10 tonnes of relief materials and medicines to Kathmandu aboard an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft. The consignment includes temporary shelter materials, blankets, hygiene kits and solar lamps.
Rescue and relief operations are continuing in the affected areas, while authorities are working to trace those missing and assess the extent of the damage.
