A devastating flash flood near Nepal’s border with Tibet has triggered a major humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of travellers reported missing. According to preliminary reports, 105 Indian nationals are among 384 travellers whose whereabouts were yet to be confirmed after the disaster in Nepal’s Rasuwa district.
The flash flood swept through the Bhote Koshi River valley on Wednesday, damaging homes, roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure. The disaster also disrupted communication and transportation along the route used by pilgrims travelling towards the Kailash Manasarovar region.
Amid the crisis, the Odisha government has established a 24×7 control room at Odisha Niwas in New Delhi to assist Odisha residents who may have been stranded or affected in Nepal.
According to the notification issued by the Office of the Chief Resident Commissioner, Odisha, people seeking assistance can contact the control room at 011-23012807, 7428135044 or 8527580245.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also provided emergency helpline numbers for assistance related to Indian nationals affected by the disaster: +977 9851316807 and +977 9709107500.
Most of the missing Indian travellers were reportedly on their way to Tibet for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. The Nepal Tourism Board said the missing list included 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali nationals, with Indian nationals among the largest groups of foreign travellers affected.
Bihar on High Alert
The disaster has also prompted heightened preparedness in Bihar, particularly in districts along the Gandak River, amid concerns over possible flooding downstream.
Authorities have issued special alerts for West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Saran, Muzaffarpur and Vaishali. Officials in Sitamarhi, Sheohar and other vulnerable districts have also been directed to maintain close and continuous monitoring of the situation.
A meeting of the Bihar Disaster Management Department was held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit. District Magistrates and SPs/SSPs of the concerned districts participated through video conferencing.
Officials have been directed to remain prepared for any rise in water levels and possible flooding in vulnerable areas. Rescue and relief arrangements are being closely monitored as authorities assess the impact of the devastating Nepal floods.
With rescue operations continuing in the affected areas, families of missing travellers are seeking information about their loved ones. Indian authorities are coordinating with Nepalese agencies to facilitate rescue, relief and verification efforts.