Nepal flash floods put Bihar on alert, response teams on standby

Nepal experienced a deadly flood on Wednesday following a sudden surge in the Bhote Koshi River. The disaster has resulted in over 30 deaths and left hundreds of people, including foreigners, missing. Initial reports suggest that an ice avalanche may have blocked the Lhende River, causing water levels to rise and subsequently overflow downstream.

Professor Rijan Bhakta Kayastha, a climate researcher at Kathmandu University, presented this preliminary assessment based on discussions with scientists from Nepal and China. He mentioned that an ice avalanche from the Nepal side likely fell into the Lhende River and subsequently obstructed its flow. Additionally, an earthquake was reported in Tibetan territory around 47 kilometers north of Gosainkunda, though it is uncertain whether this quake played a role in triggering the flood.

Scientists are currently investigating the possibility of a glacial lake outburst contributing to the disaster. It may take several days to determine if a glacial lake near the Nepal-China border burst. This incident follows a similar event in July 2025, where a glacial lake outburst was blamed for the flooding in the Lhende River.

The Bhote Koshi River suffered significant damage, with settlements and infrastructure being swept away by the flood. According to the preliminary information, 384 travelers were reported missing, with 291 being foreigners and 93 Nepali nationals. Among the missing, 105 were Indians, while 37 non-resident Indians were reported missing from the Himalayan Glacier area.

Rescue operations were ongoing in the Trishuli River area on Wednesday, and authorities advised residents to evacuate to safer locations as floodwaters continued to flow downstream. India has pledged assistance, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking to Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah, expressing willingness to provide humanitarian aid and coordinating rescue and relief efforts between the two countries.