At least 157 people have been killed following flash floods on the Bhotekoshi River, triggered by an earthquake, which devastated parts of Nepal’s Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts. The floods caused widespread destruction, with visuals showing torrents of muddy water and debris crashing through multi-storey buildings and tearing through villages.
Missing Individuals
The Nepal Tourism Board reported that 291 foreign nationals—including 105 Indians and the remainder Nepalis—are among 384 people still missing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached out to his Nepali counterpart, Balen Shah, offering condolences and support. Two Indian military planes carrying aid and relief materials are set to be dispatched.
Impact on Indian Workers
Several Indian citizens working at the Tishuli hydroelectric project are also reported missing. Communication networks in the area remain disrupted, making it challenging to establish contact with those affected. The exact situation of Indian workers and technical experts at the Tishuli project is currently being assessed.
Regional Concerns
The flash floods have raised alarms in border states Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers feed into the Gandak river system, which runs deep into Bihar. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has warned his administration to remain vigilant, as has Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
Infrastructure Damage
As of now, at least 31 people have died, according to reports from the BBC citing unnamed Nepali officials. There has been extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads and power plants. Visuals depict unstoppable torrents of water and mud wreaking havoc on villages and buildings. One particularly alarming video showed a wall of muddy water submerging a six-storey building on the Chinese side of the Rasuwagadhi crossing.
