At least 95 people have reportedly died and hundreds remain missing after a devastating flash flood in Nepal’s Rasuwa district near the Tibet border. India’s SSB has alerted its border formations and deployed 18 relief teams amid concerns over rising river levels.
Kathmandu/New Delhi : Nepal has been hit by a devastating flash flood in areas near the Nepal-Tibet border, leaving at least 95 people dead and hundreds missing, according to Nepalese authorities. The disaster has caused extensive damage to villages, roads, bridges, security installations and hydropower projects across several districts.
In response to the situation, India’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has placed its formations and establishments along the 1,751-kilometre India-Nepal international border on alert.
The security force has deployed 18 relief and rescue teams in border areas, with seven additional teams kept ready for immediate deployment.
The alert comes amid forecasts of increased water flow in the Kosi and Narayani river basins and the possibility of flash floods in smaller rivers originating in Nepal.
At Least 95 People Killed, Hundreds Missing
A Nepal police spokesperson told AFP that at least 95 people had died following the sudden flooding in the Tibet-border region.
Police spokesperson Abi Narayan Kafle said that approximately 28 police personnel were also reported missing.
Officials said the overall number of missing people could be around 400 to 500, including Indian nationals and people of Indian origin.
The disaster has particularly affected Rasuwa, Dhading, Nuwakot and Chitwan, with extensive damage reported along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems.
Flash Flood Originated Near the Nepal-Tibet Border
The sudden flooding began at around 9 am local time when the Bhotekoshi River experienced a dramatic rise in water and debris.
Rasuwa and Dhading districts were initially affected, following which floodwaters and debris spread towards Nuwakot and Chitwan.
At least four permanent bridges and several temporary bridges have reportedly been damaged or washed away.
Preliminary assessments based on satellite imagery indicate that the flooding may have been triggered by the movement of unstable mountain rocks near the Nepal-Tibet border.
The affected location is reportedly around 20 kilometres northeast of the Tibet-Rasuwagadhi border area.
River Blockage Created Additional Flood Risk
Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) said that a landslide and rising water levels in the Lende River near the Nepal-Tibet border contributed to the disaster.
At Timure, floodwaters and large quantities of debris reportedly entered the Bhotekoshi river system and eventually spread towards the Trishuli River.
The authorities later warned that a lake formed because of a river blockage had not completely drained, meaning the threat of further flooding remained.
People living near the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers were advised to stay away from riverbanks and move to safer locations until further instructions were issued.
Around 400 People Missing in Rasuwa
Rasuwa has emerged as the worst-affected district.
Located approximately 125 kilometres northeast of Kathmandu, Rasuwa lies close to the Tibet border and is strategically important for Nepal-China trade and tourism.
Officials said around 400 people were missing in Rasuwa, including at least:
- 105 Indian nationals
- 37 people of Indian origin
- Tourists and travellers from several other countries
Many of the Indian nationals were reportedly travelling towards the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage route.
Nepal Tourism Board Reports 384 Missing Travellers
According to the Nepal Tourism Board, 384 travellers were reported missing following the flooding in Rasuwa.
Of these, approximately:
- 291 were foreign nationals
- 93 were Nepali citizens
Besides Indians and people of Indian origin, missing foreign nationals reportedly include travellers from the United States, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia and the Netherlands.
According to Samrat Tours and Travels, at least 59 Indians were Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims.
Indian Embassy Coordinates Rescue Efforts
The Embassy of India in Kathmandu has been coordinating with the Nepalese government and local authorities to assist Indian citizens affected by the disaster.
The embassy issued emergency contact numbers for Indians seeking information or assistance.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs also confirmed that the embassy is maintaining continuous communication with Nepalese authorities to facilitate the rescue and relief of affected Indian nationals.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the Indian embassy was working closely with the Nepalese government to ensure the early rescue and relief of Indians affected by the flash flood.
SSB Places India-Nepal Border on Alert
Following the disaster, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) alerted its formations and establishments located along the India-Nepal border.
The force is particularly monitoring areas in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand associated with the Ghaghara, Karnali and Mahakali river systems.
The SSB has deployed 18 relief teams, while seven additional teams have been instructed to remain prepared.
The move is aimed at ensuring that any flood-related emergency on the Indian side can be addressed quickly.
Roads and Bridges Washed Away
The flooding has severely damaged transportation infrastructure.
According to reports cited by The Kathmandu Post, the floodwaters washed away significant portions of the 42-kilometre road connecting Betrawati in Nuwakot with the Rasuwagadhi border point.
Several sections of the road were reportedly destroyed, while concrete bridges were also swept away.
The destruction has disrupted movement between communities and could also affect cross-border trade between Nepal and China.
Rasuwagadhi Border Infrastructure Damaged
The Rasuwagadhi area, located along Nepal’s border with China, suffered extensive damage.
Several vehicles and goods stored at the customs complex were reportedly swept away.
A recently constructed bridge was also destroyed.
The location is particularly important because the Rasuwagadhi crossing handles significant commercial traffic between Nepal and Tibet/China.
Hydropower Projects Suffer Major Damage
Nepal’s hydropower sector has also suffered significant losses.
According to the Independent Power Producers’ Association Nepal (IPPAN), the flash flood damaged eight operational hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 354 MW, along with five projects that were under construction in Rasuwa and Nuwakot.
Among the major operational projects reportedly affected are:
- Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project – 111 MW
- Sanjan Khola Hydropower Project – 78 MW
- Upper Trishuli-3A Hydropower Project – 60 MW
The damage could affect electricity generation and infrastructure in the affected region.
Several Settlements Severely Affected
Multiple settlements along the river systems have reportedly suffered damage.
Among the affected locations are:
- Syafrubesi
- Betrawati
- Melung
- Salletar
- Shantibazar
- Pairebesi
- Khalti Basti
- Sole
- Trishuli
- Battar
Local officials described the flooding as extremely severe, with at least two settlements suffering particularly heavy damage.
Nepal Army Launches Large-Scale Rescue Operation
Following an emergency meeting chaired by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, Nepal’s security agencies were mobilised for rescue and relief operations.
The Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police have been deployed across affected areas.
The Nepal Army has deployed 12 helicopters for search-and-rescue operations.
According to the Army, rescue operations have already been conducted from several locations, including:
- Six people rescued from Syafrubesi
- Two people rescued from Melung
- Four people rescued from Dhunche
Security forces have reportedly rescued more than 80 people trapped in various locations.
Emergency Medical Facilities Established
The Nepal Army has also established an emergency treatment facility at Military Training Centre No. 1 in Trishuli.
Military medical personnel are providing emergency medical assistance to people affected by the disaster.
An MI-17 helicopter equipped with an emergency medical rescue team was also sent towards the district hospital in Trishuli.
The operation is aimed at providing urgent medical support to people injured or stranded because of the flooding.
Police and Security Installations Damaged
The disaster also damaged several security facilities.
According to Nepal Police officials, the following installations in the affected region were damaged:
- Timure Area Police Office
- Syafrubesi Police Post
- Rasuwagadhi Police Post
Four Armed Police Force personnel from Rasuwa were also reported missing after the flood.
Authorities have deployed five drones to support search-and-rescue operations, while three trained search dogs have also been sent to the affected areas.
Government Warns of Further Flood Risk
Nepal’s disaster-management authorities have warned that the danger has not completely passed.
The NDRRMA urged people living near rivers in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitwan and Gorkha to remain highly alert and follow safety instructions.
Authorities specifically warned residents to stay away from riverbanks because water levels could rise again if the temporary blockage upstream collapses or the remaining water in the newly formed lake is suddenly released.
Not Caused by Local Rainfall in Rasuwa
Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology reportedly indicated that the flash flood was not directly caused by rainfall in Rasuwa on Wednesday.
Instead, officials pointed towards the possibility of a sudden release of water associated with a blockage in the river system near the Nepal-Tibet border.
Information received from the Chinese side indicated that the water accumulated behind the blockage had not yet been completely released.
This raised concerns about another sudden surge in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems.
President Expresses Grief
Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel expressed grief over the loss of life and extensive property damage caused by the floods in Rasuwa and Nuwakot.
The latest disaster has renewed concerns over the vulnerability of Nepal’s mountainous river systems to sudden floods and landslides.
The Bhotekoshi region had also experienced devastating floods last year, with at least 10 people reportedly killed in two separate incidents.
Why the Disaster Is Significant for India
The situation has implications beyond Nepal because several affected rivers eventually flow towards India.
The SSB’s decision to alert its formations along the India-Nepal border is aimed at ensuring preparedness in areas vulnerable to rising water levels.
Authorities in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand are closely monitoring river systems connected to Nepal, particularly the Ghaghara/Karnali and Mahakali systems.
Any significant increase in water discharge from Nepal could potentially affect downstream areas in India.
India Steps Up Coordination With Nepal
The Indian government has assured that it is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Nepal.
The Indian embassy in Kathmandu is working with Nepalese authorities to identify and assist affected Indian nationals, particularly those travelling in the Rasuwa region.
Emergency communication channels have also been activated to help families and travellers obtain information about missing or stranded Indians.
Nepal Flood Disaster: Key Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Worst-affected area | Rasuwa |
| Reported deaths | At least 95 |
| Missing people | Hundreds; estimates vary between around 400 and 500 |
| Missing Indians | At least 105 reported |
| People of Indian origin missing | At least 37 |
| Missing travellers reported by Nepal Tourism Board | 384 |
| SSB relief teams deployed | 18 |
| Additional SSB teams on standby | 7 |
| Nepal Army helicopters deployed | 12 |
| Hydropower capacity affected | 354 MW across eight operational projects |
| Major rivers affected | Bhotekoshi and Trishuli |
| Major border crossing affected | Rasuwagadhi |
| Indian response | Embassy coordination and emergency assistance |
Rescue and Relief Operations Continue
The scale of destruction has created a complex rescue operation involving Nepal’s Army, Police and Armed Police Force, along with local authorities.
Helicopters, drones, trained search dogs and emergency medical teams are being used to locate missing people, evacuate stranded residents and provide medical assistance.
At the same time, India is coordinating through its embassy and has placed SSB units along the India-Nepal border on alert.
Situation Remains Critical
With the possibility of additional water release from the blocked river system, authorities have warned that the risk of further flooding remains.
The immediate priorities are locating hundreds of missing people, rescuing stranded Indian and foreign nationals, restoring road and bridge connectivity, providing emergency medical assistance and preventing further loss of life.
The disaster has also exposed the vulnerability of Nepal’s mountainous infrastructure, hydropower projects and border trade routes to sudden flash floods and landslides.
As rescue and relief operations continue, Nepalese and Indian authorities remain focused on protecting communities, locating missing persons and ensuring the safety of people living and travelling along the affected river and border regions.
