A massive flash flood originating from the Tibetan border swept through central Nepal’s Bhote Koshi River basin on Wednesday, killing at least four people and leaving 384 tourists missing—among them 105 Indian nationals and 37 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). The disaster caused extensive destruction across settlements, transport routes, and critical hydropower infrastructure in the Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts. Casualties and Missing Persons According to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), the missing travelers comprise 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali citizens: Missing Foreigners: Includes 105 Indians, 37 NRIs, alongside visitors from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, Malaysia, and the Netherlands. Confirmed Deaths: Four bodies (three men and one woman) were recovered along the Trishuli River in Bidur Municipality, Nuwakot district. Missing Security Personnel: Four Armed Police Force (APF) personnel remain missing in Rasuwa. Suspected Causes: Glacial Lake Outburst Meteorological officials confirmed the deluge was not triggered by local rainfall within Nepal. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology is investigating whether a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), heavy upstream rains, or a sudden avalanche on the Tibetan side triggered the surge. Authorities have warned that the threat upstream has not completely subsided. Infrastructure Damage and High-Alert Zones The sudden wall of water heavily damaged customs facilities, roads, and bridges along key trade routes connecting Nepal to Tibet: Hydropower Losses: The Independent Power Producers’ Association Nepal (IPPAN) reported damage to eight operational plants (totaling 354 MW)—including the Rasuwagadhi (111 MW), Sanjen Khola (78 MW), and Upper Trishuli 3A (60 MW) plants—as well as five under-construction facilities. Towns Affected: Settlements including Timure, Syaphrubesi, Mailung, and Betrawati suffered major property losses, with multiple bridges washed away across Rasuwa and Dhading. High-Alert Advisory: The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has placed Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitwan, and Gorkha on high alert. Search, Rescue, and Relief Mobilization Following an emergency government assessment, joint operations by the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police were deployed immediately: Aviation Support: The Nepal Army mobilized 12 helicopters, including an MI-17 air ambulance, conducting evacuations in Syaphrubesi, Mailung, and Dhunche. Ground Search Teams: Relief units deployed five surveillance drones and specialized search dogs to locate missing individuals. Medical Aid: A field treatment center was established at Trishuli’s Military Training Centre No. 1, backed by an incoming response team of 16 healthcare professionals, including five doctors. Emergency Contact Helplines The Nepal Tourism Board has opened emergency assistance channels for affected travelers and their families: Toll-Free Helpline: 1234 Hotline: 1144 Tourist Police Direct: +977-9851289445 Post navigation Pakistani Ex-Speaker Claims Discrimination At UAE Hotel After Flight Cancellation
