Reports indicate that over 50 people have lost their lives in a massive flood that struck the Bhote Koshi River in Nepal’s Rasuwa district on Wednesday. Following the disaster, approximately 400 people—including 105 Indians and 37 NRIs—are reported missing. The floods washed away several villages and caused extensive damage to homes.
The region borders Tibet. Two Nepali districts bordering Tibet have been severely affected by the devastating floods. Settlements along the riverbanks have suffered massive destruction, and a dozen hydropower projects have been damaged.
Officials stated that the flood surged into the Bhote Koshi River from the Tibetan side around 9 AM on Wednesday, affecting the Rasuwa and Dhading districts (bordering Tibet) as well as the Nuwakot district, located southwest of Kathmandu.
According to media reports, the flood was triggered by melting snow and ice flowing into the Bhote Koshi River from Tibet. The Trishuli River has also flooded, prompting officials to issue a high alert for districts located in the downstream areas. Officials have expressed concern regarding the potential for massive devastation in Rasuwa district.
In a statement, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) reported that a total of 384 travelers—comprising 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali citizens—are missing due to the floods in Rasuwa. These travelers include 105 Indian tourists, 37 NRIs, and others from the US, Malaysia, the UK, South Africa, Australia, and the Netherlands.
The Embassy of Nepal in India stated that the severe floods in Nepal have claimed lives, left many missing, and caused extensive damage to homes, roads, bridges, hydropower facilities, and other infrastructure in the affected areas. Nepal’s security agencies, disaster management authorities, local administration, health services, and other relevant bodies are fully prepared to handle the situation. Search and rescue operations, evacuations, emergency medical aid, and relief efforts are being carried out using all available measures. Officials are also closely monitoring the river systems, low-lying areas, and the risk of further flooding.
