A catastrophic flash flood triggered by sudden surges from the Tibet side has caused widespread devastation in Nepal, leaving at least 105 Indian tourists missing. The disaster, which struck early Wednesday morning, has primarily affected the Rasuwa district, a popular destination for travelers, while according to the Nepal Tourism Board, a total of 291 foreign nationals are currently unaccounted for, with Indian citizens making up a significant portion of this group. The death toll from this natural calamity has already reached 16 confirmed fatalities, and authorities fear that the number could rise as search operations continue in the difficult terrain.
The Scale of the Disaster and Missing Persons
The Nepal Tourism Board has provided a detailed breakdown of the individuals affected by the floods. As of Wednesday morning, approximately 8:30 AM, the Bhote Koshi river in Rasuwa experienced a sudden and massive increase in water levels, leading to a flash flood that swept through several settlements. Initial reports from travel and tourism companies indicate that 384 passengers and travelers are missing from the affected zones. This total includes 291 foreign tourists and 93 Nepali citizens. The Nepal Tourism Board, along with the Tourist Police and various tourism stakeholders, is working tirelessly to verify these figures and establish the safety status of those who were either staying in or passing through the impacted areas. The verification process is being conducted in close coordination with travel agencies, local guides, security forces, and administrative officials.
Devastation in Rasuwa and Surrounding Areas
The impact of the Bhote Koshi river's flash flood has been particularly severe in the Rasuwa district. The areas of Timure and Syabrubesi have borne the brunt of the water's fury, with numerous houses and local markets being completely destroyed, while the force of the water was so immense that three police posts were entirely washed away. Vehicles and personal belongings were swept away like straw in the fast-moving current, while infrastructure has suffered a major blow, with at least one bridge being destroyed and a significant hydropower project in Rasuwa being washed away. In Rasuwa alone, 8 deaths have been confirmed so far. Plus, more than 25 pilgrims and 32 police personnel are reported missing. On top of that, 14 employees from the local customs office are currently out of contact, raising concerns about their safety. In the neighboring Nuwakot district, three bodies were recovered from the banks of the Trishuli river, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of the flood.
Government Response and Rescue Operations
In response to the escalating crisis, Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah convened an emergency meeting to oversee the rescue and relief efforts. The Nepal Army has been mobilized to lead the search and rescue operations, while mI-17 helicopters equipped with Emergency Medical Rescue Teams have been dispatched to the Trishuli river area and other affected zones to locate survivors and provide immediate medical assistance. Personnel from the Nepal Army, the Armed Police Force, and the Nepal Police have been deployed across Rasuwa and adjacent regions, while the Nepal Electricity Authority has reported significant damage to six major hydropower projects and several transmission lines, leading to power disruptions. Also, multiple highways have been closed to traffic due to the risk of further landslides and flood damage.
Emergency Helpline Numbers for Assistance
To assist the families of the missing and provide information to those affected, several emergency helpline numbers have been established. The Nepal Tourism Board has released the following contact details: Toll-Free Emergency Number: 1234, Hotline Number: 1144, and Tourist Police: 9851289445. Also, the Indian Embassy in Nepal has set up dedicated helplines for Indian citizens and their relatives to seek assistance or share information regarding those missing. The Indian Embassy emergency numbers are: +977 985 131 6807 and +977 970 910 7500. Authorities have urged the public to use these numbers for verified information and to report any sightings or details that could aid the ongoing search operations.