Nepal floods LIVE: 19 dead, 105 Indians missing; NDRF teams on standby in Bihar, border areas

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.

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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.

Nepal floods LIVE: Embassy of India in Kathmandu has issued emergency numbers for assistance and information related to Indian nationals that have been affected by the flash floods in Nepal.

+977 985 131 6807

+977 970 910 7500

Nepal floods LIVE: Multiple CCTV videos have surfaced on social media, purportedly of the moment flash flood struck and swept away buildings, vehicles and people on Wednesday.

HT could not independently verify the authenticity of the videos.

One of the videos showed the flash flood engulfing the Gyirong Port on Tibet-Nepal border.

Nepal floods LIVE: Nepali Army officials said 15 helicopters have been pressed into service for rescue operations in the flood-hit areas, with army personnel deployed on the ground to assist in the relief efforts.

Several Indian nationals are among those reported missing by travel operators. They were part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Gopal Thapa of Leaf Holiday said, “We are yet to get in touch with 54 foreign tourists who were part of the Yatra. Many travel and tour operators are unable to get in touch with the pilgrims.”

In India, the NDRF is on standby with relief materials, although an order to send teams to Nepal has not yet been issued. NDRF teams have also been deployed to border areas in Bihar as authorities remain alert to the possibility of flooding.

Nepal floods LIVE: Over 400 pilgrims heading for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in Tibet, China have been left out of contact in Rasuwagadhi following an early morning flash floods that swept through villages and damaged roads, Kathmandu Post reported.

Nepal floods LIVE: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday expressed concern over the damage caused by the sudden flash floods in Nepal.

He directed the local administration to remain vigilant and ensure necessary preparations in view of the possibility of flooding in UP’s Maharajganj and Kushinagar districts.

“In view of the rising water levels in the Gandak and Narayani rivers and the possibility of flooding in Uttar Pradesh’s Maharajganj and Kushinagar districts, instructions have been issued to the local administration to remain fully vigilant and ensure necessary preparations.”

Nepal floods LIVE: At least eight South Koreans working on a hydropower plant were missing, and 10 others were stranded, following a massive flash flood along the Nepal-Tibet border, Reuters reported citing Yonhap News Agency, which citing South Korea's Foreign Ministry.

The workers were employed by Korea Energy and Doosan Enerbility Co, the report said, adding that Nepal has deployed a rescue team to search the affected area.

Another 10 South Korean workers affiliated with Doosan Enerbility are stranded in the area and awaiting a helicopter sent by Nepalese authorities to evacuate them, it said.

Nepal floods LIVE: Union home minister Amit Shah spoke with Bihar chief minister Samrat Choudhary over the phone on Wednesday amid the threat of flooding in Bihar following heavy rainfall and a glacial outburst in Nepal.

He assured the state government of all possible assistance to deal with any potential crisis and said that the NDRF is being mobilised to respond to any emergency situation.

Nepal floods LIVE: Over 400 people, including 105 Indians are among missing after the devastating flash floods in Nepal's Rasuwa district bordering Tibet on Wednesday.

Nepal floods LIVE: Flash floods wash away villages, project sites in Rasuwa district, alert issued. Watch visuals