Kathmandu/New Delhi: A massive flash flood in the Bhote Koshi River in Nepal on Wednesday morning caused massive devastation. The Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts were submerged after the water level unexpectedly rose at 9 a.m. in the Rasuwagadhi-Timure area of ​​Rasuwa district. According to Reuters, at least 95 bodies have been recovered so far, while more than 500 people are missing. The floods have washed away several roads, bridges, and government infrastructure.

Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims face crisis, 105 Indian tourists missing
According to the Nepal Tourism Board's preliminary list, a total of 384 pilgrims have been confirmed missing. These include 291 foreigners and 93 Nepalese nationals.

Status of Indians: The missing foreign nationals include 105 Indian tourists and 37 NRIs. Tourists from the US, UK, Australia, and the Netherlands are also stranded.

Impact on Mansarovar Yatra: According to Kathmandu-based Touch Kailash Travels, 390 pilgrims (including 93 Nepalese) were scheduled to cross the border on Wednesday. A large number of pilgrims have lost contact following the floods.

Massive Damage to Hydropower Projects
The disaster has dealt a severe blow to Nepal's energy sector:

Eight hydropower projects with a total capacity of 354 MW have been stalled or damaged in the affected areas.

Projects Under Construction: The 111 MW Rasuwagadhi, 78 MW Sanjen Khola, and 60 MW Upper Trishuli-3A projects have been hit by the floods.

Trade Routes Destroyed: The Rasuwagadhi customs complex and new bridge, crucial for China-Nepal trade, have been washed away.

Rescue Operation on War Footing
The Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police have been deployed in the search operation.

Helicopters, drones, and sniffer dogs are being used to rescue people trapped in difficult areas.

The Army has so far rescued six people from Syaphrubesi, two from Mailung, and four from Dhunche. An emergency medical camp has been set up in Trishuli.

India's Quick Response: PM Modi Expresses Condolences, Sends Relief Materials
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah over the phone, expressing condolences and assuring all possible assistance.

Indian Air Force Active: Indian Air Force aircraft carrying medicines, rations, and essential supplies have departed for Nepal.

NDRF Deployment: The Indian government has completed preparations to send NDRF teams to assist Nepal in the rescue operations. President Draupadi Murmu also expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.

Indian Embassy Releases Emergency Helpline Numbers
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu is in constant coordination with the Nepalese authorities. Emergency numbers have been issued to assist affected Indian citizens and their families:

+977 985 131 6807

+977 970 910 7500

Alert in India: Concerns rise in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh
Water from the Trishuli River in Nepal is expected to enter India via the Gandak (Narayani) River.

Bihar Preparedness: Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary to review the situation. Nine NDRF teams have been deployed in the state, including West Champaran and Muzaffarpur, in anticipation of potential flooding. The gates of the Gandak Barrage are being continuously monitored.

Alert in Uttar Pradesh: On the instructions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, an alert has been issued in the Maharajganj and Kushinagar districts bordering Nepal.

How much danger lies ahead? Nepal's Disaster Management Department has placed Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitwan, and Gorkha districts on "high alert." The exact cause of the flooding (such as a possible avalanche or lake outburst from Tibet) is not yet fully known, so strict instructions have been issued to stay away from river banks.