Kathmandu, Nepal – The death toll from the catastrophic flash floods that devastated Nepal’s Rasuwa district and surrounding areas has risen sharply to 359, with over 900 people still reported missing or out of contact, authorities confirmed on Thursday. The disaster, which struck on Wednesday morning, has been described as one of the worst in the country’s recent history, with entire villages, roads, and critical infrastructure washed away.
The flood was triggered by an avalanche that blocked the Lhende tributary of the Bhotekoshi River near the Nepal-China border at Rasuwagadhi. The sudden release of water caused widespread destruction in Timure and Syafrubesi, sweeping away vehicles, houses, and bridges. The U.S. Geological Survey stated that what was initially reported as an earthquake was actually a “glacial collapse and debris flow” that caused catastrophic downstream impacts in both Nepal and Tibet.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), the highest number of casualties has been reported in Chitwan district, where 132 bodies have been recovered. Other affected districts include Nawalparasi East (82), Dhading (33), Gorkha (30), Nuwakot (28), Tanahun (22), Rasuwa (17), and Nawalparasi West (15).
Of the 910 people reported missing, 517 are foreign nationals and 127 are Nepali citizens living abroad who were visiting the country. Among the missing are also 28 Nepal Police personnel, 44 Nepal Army personnel, 13 Armed Police Force personnel, 15 Customs Office employees, and four Immigration Office staff. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that 288 Indian nationals remain uncontactable in the affected areas.
A massive search and rescue operation is underway, involving 13,295 security personnel, including 7,250 from the Nepal Police, 4,200 from the Nepal Army, and 1,845 from the Armed Police Force. So far, 716 people have been rescued by helicopter, with 69 rescue flights conducted on Thursday, including the rescue of 50 foreign nationals. An additional 756 people were rescued by land.
However, a new threat looms as a lake has formed upstream following the obstruction of the Lhende River. Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has warned that the lake is continuing to rise, creating a risk of a potential outburst that could trigger another major flood along the Bhotekoshi River.
The Indian government has offered full humanitarian assistance to Nepal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah, assuring him of India’s support. The Indian Air Force has kept transport aircraft on standby for relief operations. Meanwhile, the Dalai Lama has offered prayers for all those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
