1 week ago
India Heightens Border Vigil After Deadly Nepal Floods
Heavy rain and a reported glacier burst were linked to flash floods in Nepal.
The Bhote Koshi River suddenly rose and damaged villages, roads, bridges and power facilities.
The worst-affected areas included Rasuwa, Dhading and Nuwakot.
Reports gave different numbers for people who died, ranging from four to at least eight.
Hundreds of people were also reported missing.
A preliminary report listed 384 missing tourists, including 105 Indians.
India is worried that extra water could flow into rivers leading toward Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and other border areas.
Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with state leaders and promised help.
Indian rescue teams and local authorities were told to stay ready, while India also offered humanitarian assistance to Nepal.
Flash floods in Nepal’s Bhote Koshi River affected Rasuwa, Dhading and Nuwakot, damaging settlements, roads, bridges and power infrastructure.
Reports differed on the death toll, citing either four or at least eight people killed, while many others remained missing.
A preliminary Nepal Tourism Board update listed 384 missing tourists, including 105 Indians; another report cited nearly 400 missing people.
Amit Shah spoke with the chief ministers of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and assured them of central assistance and emergency support.
India placed NDRF, local administrations and rescue teams on alert, while the SSB deployed 18 teams along vulnerable border areas.
- Who
- People and tourists affected in Nepal; Union Home Minister Amit Shah; Prime Minister Narendra Modi; the chief ministers of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh; and Indian disaster-response agencies.
- What
- Flash floods struck Nepal, prompting India to monitor possible downstream flooding, strengthen border preparedness and offer assistance.
- Where
- The flooding affected Nepal’s Rasuwa, Dhading and Nuwakot districts. Indian preparedness focused on border areas in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
- When
- The floods and Indian preparedness measures were reported on Wednesday; the Bhote Koshi surge was reported at about 9 a.m. local time.
- Why
- Heavy rainfall and a reported glacier burst raised concerns about rising downstream water levels and possible flooding in India, while Nepal required rescue and relief assistance.
Preliminary and official assessments
Differing or later reports
Death toll
Preliminary and official assessments
One report cited four people killed in the Nepal floods.
Differing or later reports
Another report, citing local accounts, said at least eight people were killed.
Missing people
Preliminary and official assessments
The Nepal Tourism Board’s preliminary update listed 384 missing tourists, including 105 Indians, and said the figures were being verified.
Differing or later reports
Another report said nearly 400 people were missing and identified 37 non-resident Indians among them.
Impact in India
Preliminary and official assessments
Indian authorities prepared for possible increased downstream flows and flash floods in border areas.
Differing or later reports
The reports described a potential threat and monitoring effort, rather than confirmed flooding in Bihar or Uttar Pradesh.
Key facts
- Affected river
- The Bhote Koshi River surged from the Tibet side and flooded parts of Rasuwa, Dhading and Nuwakot.
- Reported deaths
- Accounts cited either four or at least eight people killed in the Nepal floods.
- Missing tourists
- A preliminary Nepal Tourism Board update listed 384 missing tourists: 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali citizens.
- Missing Indians
- The tourism update listed 105 Indian nationals among the missing tourists; another report cited 37 non-resident Indians among nearly 400 missing people.
- Indian government response
- Amit Shah spoke with the Bihar and Uttar Pradesh chief ministers and assured them of all possible central assistance.
- Rescue preparedness
- NDRF teams, local administrations and relief-rescue teams were placed on high alert or mobilised for possible emergencies.
- Border deployment
- The Sashastra Seema Bal said 18 teams, including seven on standby, were deployed along vulnerable border areas.
- Potential downstream impact
- The Centre said it was monitoring possible downstream effects through the Gandak, Koshi, Narayani, Ghaghara-Karnali and Mahakali river systems.
Quotes
Narendra Modi
Prime Minister of India
“Government of India stands with Nepal in this hour of crisis. I spoke with CMs of Bihar and UP regarding the disaster in Nepal. In border areas likely to be affected, local administration and rescue teams, along with NDRF, have been placed on high alert.”
timesnownews.com
thehansindia.com
“The devastation caused by the floods in Nepal is extremely heartbreaking. My condolences are with those families who have lost their loved ones in this disaster.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
Indian States On Alert After Nepal Floods: Bihar, UP, Uttarakhand Step Up Vigil, NDRF Teams On Standby
Nepal floods: Government keeping close watch on situation; Amit Shah speaks to CMs of UP, Bihar
Nepal floods: Amit Shah speaks to UP, Bihar CMs; NDRF on high alert in border areas
Home Minister Amit Shah Speaks to Bihar CM Amid Flood Threat Following Heavy Rain, Glacier Burst in Nepal
Shah Assures Bihar Help Amid Flood Threat From Nepal
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