A devastating flash flood triggered by a glacial breach in Nepal has left 288 Indian citizens missing, prompting India's Ministry of External Affairs to set up a dedicated emergency control room to monitor the crisis and coordinate assistance. The widespread deluge has caused catastrophic destruction across multiple districts, claiming at least 178 lives while over 700 people remain missing in the mountainous country.
Scale of Destruction and Casualties
Emergency rescue agencies operating across affected regions have recovered 178 bodies so far from different locations. The highest casualty count has been registered in Chitwan district, where rescue teams retrieved 64 bodies. In addition, 27 bodies were found in Dhading district, 26 in Nawalparasi East, 20 in Gorkha district, and 12 in Nuwakot district. The ferocious current of the floodwaters was so strong that victims from Rasuwa were swept away and recovered in Chitwan, nearly 150 kilometers downstream.
Glacier Outburst Triggers 30-Foot Water Surge
The tragedy originated in Tibet, where a major glacier burst unleashed a massive surge of water and heavy debris into Nepal's Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers. The sudden influx caused floodwaters to rise up to 30 feet high, creating a wall of water that swept away entire residential structures, automobiles, and vital infrastructure. Early assessments indicate that 19 bridges have been completely washed away, approximately 40 kilometers of highway destroyed, and 9 hydropower projects severely damaged by the rushing torrents.
Indian Pilgrims Among Missing Foreign Citizens
Among the 288 Indian nationals currently unaccounted for are two specific pilgrim groups hailing from Tamil Nadu who were undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. One group consists of 37 individuals, while the second group comprises 49 pilgrims. Beyond the Indian citizens, hundreds of other foreign tourists and travelers are also reported missing across various flood-hit zones.
Government Intervention and International Assistance
Addressing the evolving situation, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the activation of the specialized control room to handle queries and coordinate relief. The Prime Minister of India spoke directly with the Prime Minister of Nepal yesterday, reiterating that India stands fully alongside Nepal during this crisis. Relief personnel continue to navigate severely broken road networks and ongoing inclement weather to search for victims buried under mud and debris.
