A catastrophic flash flood in Nepal has triggered a massive humanitarian crisis, with nearly 1,500 people reported missing across Nepal and Tibet, including around 300 Indian nationals. Most of the missing Indians are believed to be pilgrims travelling towards Kailash Mansarovar, according to Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal.
The disaster struck the Rasuwa region near the Nepal-Tibet border, after an avalanche reportedly blocked the flow of a tributary of the Bhote Koshi River. The sudden release of water and debris devastated settlements, swept away roads and bridges and severely damaged infrastructure along one of the main routes used by pilgrims and tourists travelling towards Tibet.
The scale of the disaster remains difficult to determine because communication networks have been severely disrupted. India’s ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, said authorities had been unable to contact many of the missing Indians partly because communications and electricity were down in affected areas.
Nepalese authorities have reported that around 1,500 people are missing across Nepal and Tibet, with at least 800 foreign nationals among them. The confirmed death toll has also climbed rapidly, with reports putting it at around 165 or higher as rescue teams continue searching devastated areas.
The disaster has caused particular anxiety in India because many of those missing were undertaking the sacred Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage. Indian pilgrims from several states, including Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, are among those whose families are desperately awaiting information. Earlier reports had identified 133 Indians as missing, but Nepal’s foreign minister subsequently indicated that the number could be close to 300 as authorities compiled updated lists.
Rescue operations are being conducted under extremely difficult conditions. Helicopters are being used to reach isolated areas, while security personnel and emergency teams search through mud and debris for survivors. At least 125 people, including 20 foreigners, were rescued on Thursday, according to Reuters.
India has also moved quickly to assist Nepal. The Indian government has dispatched relief supplies and is coordinating with Nepalese authorities to trace missing Indian citizens and facilitate their evacuation.
