Kathmandu: A devastating flash flood in Nepal’s Bhote Koshi-Trishuli river basin has claimed at least 16 lives and left 36 people injured, triggering large-scale rescue operations across several districts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah and assured him of India’s full support and all possible relief assistance following the disaster.
The flash flood struck Rasuwa and neighbouring areas bordering Tibet on Wednesday, with the Bhote Koshi River rising suddenly and sweeping away vehicles, goods and a newly constructed bridge. Several settlements were also affected.
Authorities are looking into what caused the catastrophe. Nepal’s Foreign Minister said preliminary reports indicate that an earthquake may have triggered an avalanche, although the exact sequence of events remains unclear.
At least eight operational hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 354 MW, along with five projects under construction, were reportedly damaged.
Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitawan and Gorkha have been placed on high alert. The Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police are conducting rescue operations, with helicopters deployed to evacuate stranded residents.
Downstream areas in Bihar and parts of Uttar Pradesh have also been placed on alert amid concerns over rising river levels.