'Stand in solidarity': PM Modi speaks to Nepal's Balen Shah, offers flood aid

At least 22 people lost their lives and over 380 were reported missing in Nepal following a flash flood that swept through northern valleys bordering the Himalayas, according to authorities. Among the missing were three U.S. nationals, along with 291 other foreigners from various countries, including 12 Britons, 142 Indians, 17 Malaysians, and 8 South Africans, among others.

The catastrophic event obliterated villages, overturning houses, roads, bridges, and power plants. Graphic videos and social media posts captured the destructive torrents of water overwhelming mountain passes and tearing down infrastructure. The Reuters news agency and The Kathmandu Post reported the death toll at 22, though the nationalities of the victims remained unknown.

Nepal's Bhote Koshi River experienced a sudden surge of water on Wednesday morning in Rasuwa district, swiftly impacting Nuwakot and Dhading districts. President Ramachandra Paudel expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and property, urging intensified rescue and relief efforts. District Administrator Narendra Pariyar warned of potential heavy casualties or property damage, advising residents along the Bhote Koshi River to seek higher ground.

Rescuing and aiding the affected areas proved challenging due to Nepal's rugged mountainous terrain, with helicopters unable to land in Syapru Besi and Timure. The flood resulted from an earthquake-triggered landslide that blocked the river. Nepal's Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal attributed the cause to the natural disaster. Six major hydropower and transmission facilities suffered damage, though the full extent of the destruction remained uncertain.

The Nepal Police urged people near riversides to evacuate and deployed all available resources. Prime Minister Balen Shah shared updates on social media, while India alerted authorities along their shared border to remain vigilant.