'Took off for Kathmandu blissfully unaware': Shashi Tharoor on deadly Nepal floods

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed surprise over the devastation caused by a sudden flash flood in Nepal’s Rasuwa district when he departed for Kathmandu on Wednesday. The severe flood, which may have been triggered by a glacier breaking off in Tibet and tumbling into the valley below, resulted from global warming, experts speculated.

In a post on X, Tharoor detailed the extensive damage inflicted by the floods, including the destruction of at least 19 motorable bridges and a 40 km stretch of the Betrawati–Rasuwagadhi highway. Additionally, around 40 km of highways and three hydropower projects sustained heavy damage. Tharoor pledged his support for the Indian government’s prompt relief assistance to Nepal, emphasizing the nation’s urgent need for aid.

He expressed deep concern for the victims and those still missing, including numerous Indian tourists, such as those on the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra, and prayed for their safe rescue. At least 270 people were confirmed dead in Nepal, while 826 were reported missing, while three were killed in Tibet, with 558 still unaccounted for.

Rescue operations were hampered by the scale of destruction, with dozens of bridges collapsed and 40 km of roads damaged. The Nepalese Army conducted helicopter rescues for over 100 individuals, while army teams evacuated people trapped by the Trishuli hydropower project. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that five groups, comprising around 288 Indian nationals, were identified among those stranded, including workers at the Trishuli-1 power project, tourists on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, and others from various states.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi communicated with Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah, offering India’s full support for rescue and relief efforts. The United Nations is also aiding the response, deploying personnel to aid local authorities, while warning of a massive humanitarian need. The disaster has intensified concerns over the Himalayan region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events and glacial hazards, particularly in challenging terrain and damaged infrastructure.