Nepal floods LIVE: 142 Indian nationals missing, death toll crosses 150, helplines issued

Nepal flash floods LIVE: The number of dead in the Nepal floods has risen to 95, news agency Reuters reported, citing police officials.

Nepal flash floods LIVE: The NDRF on Wednesday said it is on "high alert" in the eventuality of flash floods in Nepal causing water levels to surge in the Gandak river and inundate border areas of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

In an updated statement at 6:30 pm, the federal continency force said it was keeping a "close watch" on the situation and has deployed 20 teams for flood rescue operations in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

It said an advisory issued by the Central Water Commission (CWC) apart from media reports state that a sudden rise in river water level in the Trishuli river at Furke Khola in Nepal has taken place, around 160 km from the Indian border, due to suspected Glacial Lake Outburst Floor (GLOF) activity near the Nepal-China border.

"The flood wave is likely to travel downstream in the Gandak river. Local authorities in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh near the India-Nepal border along the Gandak river have been advised to remain alert and maintain close monitoring of the situation," the force said.

Keeping in view the anticipated floods in the Gandak river due to the flash flood incident in Nepal, NDRF is on high alert, it said.

via PTI

Nepal flash floods LIVE: While authorities in Bihar are on alert in view of the flash floods in Nepal, the IMD has warned that the flood wave is advancing rapidly downstream. High water levels are projected to converge at the Marshyangdi confluence at Mugling and push into the main Narayani (Gandak) channel," the IMD said.

Nepal flash floods LIVE: The toll has jumped to 46 amid the ongoing search and rescue operations after flash foods swept parts of Rasuwa district in Nepal on Wednesday, news agency PTI reported.

Nepal flash floods LIVE: The death toll in Nepal flash flood has risen to 22, with over 300, including 105 Indians, missing, news agency AP reported.

Nepal flash floods LIVE: Villages in some Bihar districts are being evacuated as a precautionary measure. However, the flood waters have yet not reached any of these villages.

Nepal flash floods LIVE: The administration in Bihar has begun evacuations in six districts after devastating floods in Nepal, news agency Reuters reported, citing officials.

Nepal flash floods LIVE: NDRF teams have been deployed in West Champaran and Muzaffarpur in Bihar as a precautionary measure, NDRF IG Narendra Singh Bundela was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. “A total of nine teams are currently stationed in Bihar and the situation is being closely monitored,” he said.

Nepal flash floods LIVE: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi extended condolences to the people of Nepal who lost their kin in the devastating flash floods on Wednesday. He also urged the Indian government to coordinate with Nepalese authorities to locate the missing Indian pilgrims there.

“Deeply concerned by the devastating flash floods in Nepal, where hundreds of people, including Indian pilgrims have gone missing. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of those who have lost their lives. My thoughts are with the families anxiously waiting for news of their loved ones,” he wrote on X.

Nepal flash floods LIVE: Initial reports suggest an earthquake may have triggered an avalanche that led to severe flooding in Nepal, according to a statement from Nepal's foreign minister Shisir Khanal, as cited by local media, according to news agency Reuters.

The devastating floods in Nepal's Rasuwa district bordering Tibet swept through villages and damaged critical infrastructure on Wednesday.

Scientists are also examining a possible link between an ice avalanche and the sudden surge of water. Rijan Bhakta Kayastha, a professor at Kathmandu University and climate researcher, said a preliminary assessment said that an ice avalanche may have blocked the Lhende River, causing water to accumulate before the blockage gave way and sent a sudden surge downstream into the Bhotekoshi River, according to a report by Kathmandu Post.

Read full report here

Nepal flash floods LIVE: Thirty five NRIs among a group of 47 tourists are missing in Nepal after the deadly floods, Sagar Pandey, owner of Himalayan Glacier Adventures said. “They had left Kathmandu yesterday for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. They were staying at different hotels in Rasuwa. The 47 also include my staff and guests from Russia, Canada, US and UK. We spoke to them around 8 am today. We have lost touch after that. They were supposed to cross the Nepal-Tibet border today," Pandey told HT.

Nepal flash floods LIVE: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary on Wednesday directed officials to remain on alert amid the flash floods in Nepal's upper catchment areas and the possibility of increased water flow in the Gandak River.

During a high-level review meeting at 'Sankalp' auditorium in Patna, the Chief Minister instructed officials of affected and vulnerable districts to closely monitor the situation and ensure all necessary arrangements are in place.

CM Chaudhary asked authorities in districts connected with the Gandak river, including West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Saran, Muzaffarpur and Vaishali, to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures.

He directed officials to regularly inspect all embankments and ensure their safety and strength. The Chief Minister also ordered continuous monitoring of dams and embankments, along with special night patrolling to prevent any untoward situation.

The Chief Minister instructed district administrations to issue timely alerts through loudspeakers and microphones in sensitive areas and ensure that people are informed about possible risks.

via ANI

Nepal flash floods LIVE: Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said initial study based on analysis of satellite images by Planet Labs indicate that a glacier-inclusive flood occurred in the Lhende River due to a snow-rock landslide that took place on the Nepal-China border approximately 20 kilometers northeast of the Nepal-China Rasuwagadhi border crossing.

Nepal flash floods LIVE: Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Wednesday expressed condolences with lives lost in Nepal floods and prayed for speedy recovery of those injured.

“Deeply grieved by the tragic loss of lives and devastation caused by the flash floods in Nepal. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.”

“I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured and for the safe and swift rescue of all those who are missing. Our thoughts are with the people of Nepal during this difficult hour.”

Nepal floods LIVE: Nepal Army intensifies rescue efforts for flood-affected people. It requested citizens to to adopt high vigilance and stay safe.

Nepal floods LIVE: Rescue operation underway as teams continue efforts to reach those affected in Rasuwa.

Nepal floods LIVE: MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the embassy of India in Nepal is closely coordinating with government of India for early rescue and relief.

“Embassy of India in Nepal is closely coordinating with Government of Nepal for the early rescue and relief of Indian nationals affected by today’s flash floods in Nepal,” he wrote on X.

Nepal floods LIVE: At least 19 people were killed in Nepal on Wednesday after a massive flood tore through the border region with Tibet, a police spokesman told AFP.

"Nineteen bodies have been recovered so far. We are intensely coordinating the rescue and relief efforts. Many in our police force are also out of contact," spokesman Abi Narayan Kafle said.

Nepal floods LIVE: NDRF officials said six teams are on standby in border villages of Bihar as Nepal floods threaten to impact districts including Muzaffarpur, West Champaran, East Champaran and Siwan.

Officials said the water level is likely to rise in Bihar only after a few hours. No impact has been reported so far.

District administrations, along with rescue teams, are on alert and are warning locals about the situation.

Nepal floods LIVE: The US embassy in Nepal issued an advisory as flash floods hit Nepal-China border on Wednesday and advised its citizens in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Chitwan, and Tanahun to stay away from riverbanks and low-lying areas, seek higher ground, and follow local instructions.

It added that US citizens should avoid areas affected by the Rasuwa flooding and said that the US embassy is working to account for citizens who may have been affected by the Rasuwa flooding.

“If you are in an affected area, email KathmanduACS@state.gov with your full name, current location, status, and tour or trekking company.”

“U.S. citizens who need urgent assistance related to the Rasuwa flooding should call the U.S. Embassy at +977-1-423-4000.”

Nepal floods LIVE: Following a sudden flash flood in Nepal on Wednesday morning, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has issued an alert to its formations deployed along the India-Nepal border.

The force's 11 Rescue and Relief Teams (RRTs) have been alerted for immediate rescue and relief operations, while seven additional teams remain on standby, news agency ANI reported, citing officials.

Nepal floods LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday spoke with Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah and assured all possible humanitarian assistance.

He expressed condolences for lives lost and said India stands with Nepal.

“Spoke to Prime Minister Balendra Shah and conveyed condolences on the loss of lives due to the floods in Nepal. The people of India stand in solidarity with their sisters and brothers in Nepal at this difficult time.”

"India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance to Nepal. Our teams are coordinating closely on rescue and relief efforts."

Nepal floods LIVE: Amid massive flash floods that hit Nepal-Tibet border on Wednesday, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said, “The sudden devastating flood in the Bhote Koshi River originating from Tibet in Nepal's Rasuwa region has caused immense loss of life and property, which is extremely heartbreaking and alarming.”

"In this difficult time, our sympathies are with the affected families of Nepal. I pray to God for the safe well-being of all."

Nepal floods LIVE: On flash flood in Nepal’s Rasuwa area, Union MoS Sukanta Majumdar said, “As a citizen of a neighboring country, we are with the people of Nepal, and we pray to God that the situation improves as early as possible.”

Nepal floods LIVE: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday expressed deep shock and sadness over the devastating flash floods in Nepal and offered condolences to those who have lost their loved ones.

Kharge said the Congress was deeply concerned about reports of more than 100 Indians still missing and urged the Government of India to take immediate steps to trace them, ensure their safety and provide all possible assistance to their families.

He also called on India to extend every possible humanitarian assistance to Nepal amid the crisis, saying the Indian National Congress stands in solidarity with the people of Nepal and is praying for the safety of all those affected.