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Kathmandu/New Delhi: Images of the floods that struck Nepal on Wednesday reveal a terrifying scene of devastation. A severe flash flood ( floods ) originating in Tibet surged into the Bhote Koshi River with such speed that people had no time to react. While people were going about their daily routines, a torrent of water—rising hundreds of feet high—suddenly confronted them. Chaos and screams erupted instantly as people scrambled to save their lives. According to locals, the current was so powerful that large sections of two major markets were destroyed in just about 30 seconds. Reports indicate that 98 people have lost their lives so far, and the death toll continues to rise.
Damage to 3 Police Posts and Several Bridges
The sheer scale of the disaster is evident from the fact that homes and shops were swept away, vehicles were submerged, and buildings were seen being carried off amidst the debris. Almost every structure in the path of the Bhote Koshi River was engulfed by the floodwaters. Reports state that three police posts, several bridges, and hydropower projects have suffered extensive damage. Significant portions of roads and other critical infrastructure have also been destroyed. Satellite imagery confirms the destruction of buildings and large stretches of roads along the river’s path.
Rising Death Toll from the Disaster
The death toll from this disaster in Nepal is rising rapidly. By Wednesday night, various reports indicated over 98 fatalities, while approximately 750 people remain missing. Relief and rescue agencies are continuing their search operations in the affected areas. Personnel from the Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force are among the missing. Initial reports indicated that over 50 security personnel were missing. Four personnel from the Nepal Armed Police Force, stationed at a border outpost in the northern region of Rasuwa, are also reported missing following the floods.
According to the latest reports, 750 travelers are missing. This figure includes 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali citizens. Among the foreign nationals, 133 are Indians, and 37 NRIs are also reported missing. A large number of these individuals were undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
How did such a dangerous deluge occur?
An investigation is underway regarding the cause of this flash flood that has wreaked havoc in Nepal. Preliminary assessments by Nepali officials and scientists suggest that a 4.4 magnitude earthquake near the Tibet-Nepal border may have destabilized large masses of ice and rock in the mountainous terrain. This triggered an ice-rock avalanche, temporarily blocking the river’s course. Possibilities involving a glacier-related event and the sudden accumulation of water are also being investigated.
The flash flood originating from Tibet could also impact certain areas in India.
According to scientists, water accumulated as the river’s path was obstructed by ice, rocks, and debris. When this natural barrier gave way, a massive torrent of water, mud, and boulders surged downstream at great speed. It has not yet been conclusively established that the earthquake was the direct cause of the event. Regardless of the cause, the river—which had appeared calm—suddenly turned extremely dangerous. People had very little time to reach safety, and anything in the flood’s path was swept away.
Many Kailash pilgrims also caught in the floods
The most distressing aspect of this disaster concerns the pilgrims who had gone on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. At the time the flash flood swept from Tibet towards Nepal, 77 Kailash pilgrims were present at the Tibet-Nepal immigration center. Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev stated that members of his Kailash Yatra group were at the Gyirong immigration office while returning when the flood suddenly struck. According to him, the five-story immigration center was also hit by the strong currents, and there is currently no official information regarding the people present there.
According to Sadhguru, the pilgrimage involved a total of 21 groups. While 495 people have returned safely, 743 remain in Tibet, 148 are in Nepal, and 77 were at the immigration center. Additionally, three volunteers were present in Timure, Nepal. Sadhguru stated that he is personally present in the area and is working alongside officials to provide all possible assistance in the rescue operations. He conveyed to the affected families that their pain during this difficult time is understood and assured them that no effort would be spared to rescue the people.
**Rescue operations underway on a war footing in Nepal**
The Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force have intensified rescue operations in the affected areas. Dozens of people have been evacuated safely via helicopters. The Nepal Army has deployed multiple helicopters for search and rescue, while drones and sniffer dogs are also being utilized. Nepal’s Prime Minister Balen Shah has convened an emergency meeting to review the situation.
The Home Minister has appealed to people to move from low-lying areas to safe, higher ground. Traffic has also been halted on several routes leading from Kathmandu to the affected areas. People are trying to gather information about their families and relatives. Obtaining accurate information is proving difficult due to disruptions in road, electricity, and communication networks in several areas.
**India extends a helping hand to Nepal**
Following this disaster, India has assured Nepal of all possible assistance. Prime Minister…
