Nepal Floods: IAF C17 To Fly To Kathmandu As 400 People Go Missing

India has initiated a major relief and rescue operation following the catastrophic floods that have struck Nepal, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. According to official sources from the Indian Air Force, a C17 Globemaster aircraft is scheduled to fly to Kathmandu tonight to provide essential assistance. This move comes as part of India's immediate response to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the neighboring nation. In addition to the C17, a C-130 aircraft will also be deployed to carry vital relief materials to the affected regions. The Indian government is closely monitoring the situation as the death toll and the number of missing persons continue to rise.

Massive Casualties and Missing Persons Reported

The scale of the disaster in Nepal is immense, with reports indicating that approximately 400 people are currently missing. Among those missing, at least 105 are identified as Indian tourists, while 37 are Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). The Nepal Tourism Board has confirmed that the list of missing individuals includes 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepalese citizens. Apart from Indians, the missing persons include travelers from the United States, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, and the Netherlands. The nationalities of several other individuals are still being verified by the local authorities. So far, the devastating floods have claimed at least 46 lives, and the number is expected to increase as search operations continue. Numerous settlements and buildings have sustained heavy damage, leaving many homeless and stranded.

The Cause of the Sudden Flooding

The exact cause of the sudden surge in the water level of the Bhote Koshi river remains under investigation. However, the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology in Nepal has clarified that the flooding wasn't caused by rainfall in the Rasuwa region. Experts and officials are currently examining whether the disaster was triggered by a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), a massive landslide, or an incident occurring on the Tibetan side of the border. According to advice from the Central Water Commission (CWC) and various media reports, GLOF-like activity near the Nepal-China border led to a sudden rise in the water level of the Trishuli river near Phurke Khola, which is located about 160 kilometers from the Indian border. This surge is expected to move downstream into the Gandak river, posing a significant threat to regions in India.

High Alert in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh

As the floodwaters move toward the Indian border, local authorities in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have been placed on high alert. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is maintaining a state of readiness to tackle any potential flooding in the Gandak river, while in Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has reviewed the situation, particularly in areas along the banks of the Gandak. Following an assessment, 2 NDRF teams have been dispatched for deployment in West Champaran and Muzaffarpur. Currently, a total of 9 NDRF teams are stationed across Bihar to monitor the situation. The state government is keeping a close watch, and additional teams will be deployed if the situation worsens, while similarly, in Uttar Pradesh, the state government is vigilant. An additional NDRF team has been stationed in the Kushinagar district, which is highly vulnerable due to its proximity to the Gandak river. A total of 11 NDRF teams are currently deployed in Uttar Pradesh for flood warning and rescue (FWR) operations. The NDRF has stated that it's working in coordination with the state governments of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, as well as the CWC, to manage any unforeseen circumstances.

Widespread Destruction in Nepal's Districts

The Rasuwa district has emerged as the worst-affected area in Nepal due to this natural calamity. Significant damage has been reported in regions such as Timure and Syaphru Besi. In the customs complex, several vehicles and goods were washed away by the force of the water, and a recently constructed bridge was completely destroyed. The flooding has impacted numerous settlements along the riverbanks, including Syaphru Besi, Betrawati, Mailung, Saletar, Shantibazar, Pairebesi, Khalti Basti, Sole, Trishuli, and Battar. To manage the crisis, the Nepal Army, the Armed Police Force, and the Nepal Police have been mobilized for search and rescue operations, while the authorities are utilizing 14 helicopters, drones, and search dogs to locate missing persons and provide aid to those trapped in the affected areas.