Flood Fury / Nepal Flash Flood Kills 157, Hundreds Missing

Kathmandu, Aug 27: A devastating flash flood has swept through three districts of Nepal, leaving at least 157 people dead and hundreds more unaccounted for, according to local media. The process of identifying victims is still ongoing as rescue teams struggle against the scale of destruction.

The disaster was triggered when an avalanche blocked the Lhende tributary of the Bhote Koshi, unleashing a torrent that first hit Timure near Rasuwagadhi on the Nepal‑China border.

“As no rainfall was reported in the area, residents had no warning of the disaster and were going about their daily routines when the flood struck,” The Kathmandu Post reported.

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Authorities confirmed that 391 tourists and 44 security personnel are missing. The Nepali government said 44 Nepal Army personnel, 28 police personnel, and 13 Armed Police Force (APF) personnel deployed in the affected areas remain out of contact.

The flood has swept away nine hydropower projects, several commercial banks, 19 motorable bridges, and dozens of public and private properties, causing extensive damage in Rasuwa district and beyond. Government offices, security installations, and critical infrastructure along the Nepal‑China border have been severely affected.

The Prime Minister’s Office stated that security agencies and concerned bodies were “immediately mobilised for search, rescue and relief operations.” At around 9 a.m., authorities placed riverbank areas on high alert, urging residents to stay in safe locations and avoid going near the river.

Meanwhile, India has extended 10 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to Nepal. India’s Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, formally handed over the aid consignment to Nepal’s Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Khadak Raj Paudel. The relief includes essential materials to support flood‑hit communities.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “India stands firmly with Nepal and remains committed to extending all possible support.”

(IANS)