6 days ago
Nepal Floods Spur High Alerts Across Uttar Pradesh
A very large flood hit Nepal after ice and rocks blocked a river near the China border.
The water damaged roads, bridges and highways.
Reports give different death tolls, with figures of 177 and 270 cited.
Nearly 826 people are reported missing, including many Indian tourists.
Thirty-one pilgrims from Hyderabad were found safe, but 32 pilgrims from West Bengal and two managers are still untraceable.
Uttar Pradesh is watching rivers that carry water from Nepal.
Maharajganj and Kushinagar have rescue teams, boats and emergency supplies ready.
People near rivers and low-lying areas have been told to stay alert and move to safety if needed.
Reports put Nepal’s flood death toll at either 177 or 270, while nearly 826 people are reported missing.
An ice-rock landslide blocked a river near Nepal’s China border, triggering floods that damaged roads, bridges and highways.
Thirty-one Hyderabad pilgrims, including former DRDO Chairman Dr G Satheesh Reddy, were reported safe, while 32 West Bengal pilgrims and two managers remain untraceable.
Uttar Pradesh placed Maharajganj and Kushinagar on high alert and deployed rescue personnel, boats and emergency teams.
The Valmikinagar barrage opened all 36 gates as discharge rose to about 1.42 lakh cusecs, prompting downstream monitoring and preparedness measures.
- Who
- People affected in Nepal, Indian pilgrims and tourists, and authorities in Nepal, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are involved.
- What
- Flash floods have caused deaths, disappearances and infrastructure damage while prompting rescue operations and downstream flood alerts.
- Where
- The disaster affected Nepal, including the Rasuwa and Nepal-China border regions; alerts were issued in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, including around the Valmikinagar barrage.
- When
- The reports are dated August 27; the West Bengal pilgrims were last contacted at about 8 a.m. on Wednesday, and two Ballia residents were reportedly missing after flooding on August 26.
- Why
- An ice-rock landslide blocked a river near Nepal’s border with China, triggering the flash floods.
Key facts
- Reported death toll
- One report cites 270 deaths according to Nepal Police; PTI reports at least 177 deaths, creating a discrepancy between accounts.
- Reported missing people
- Nearly 826 people, according to Nepal’s disaster management authorities.
- Indian tourists reportedly missing
- Nearly 300, according to Nepal Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal.
- Hyderabad pilgrims
- 31 pilgrims, including former DRDO Chairman Dr G Satheesh Reddy, were reported safe.
- West Bengal pilgrims
- 32 pilgrims travelling with Cholo Jai and two managers remain untraceable.
- Uttar Pradesh response
- Maharajganj and Kushinagar were placed on high alert; 32 SDRF personnel, 22 PAC personnel and rescue boats were deployed or prepared.
- Valmikinagar barrage
- All 36 gates were opened; discharge rose to about 1.42 lakh cusecs at 10 p.m.










