Catastrophic flooding triggered by torrential rainfall across several parts of Nepal has claimed at least 16 lives, while over 100 Indian nationals are reported missing in the affected regions. The dramatic rise in river water levels has raised severe concerns in the neighbouring Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary have both expressed deep apprehension over the situation, prompting local authorities along the international border to go on high alert. Simultaneously, the Central Government is closely monitoring the evolving crisis to coordinate response and rescue measures.
Precautionary Measures in Uttar Pradesh's Maharajganj and Kushinagar
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath voiced grave concern regarding the destruction caused by the overflow of the Bhote Koshi river in Nepal's Rasuwa district. In a post shared on social media platform X, he offered prayers to Lord Pashupatinath for the safety and well-being of everyone affected by the disaster.
Taking immediate precautionary steps, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed local administrative officials in Uttar Pradesh's Maharajganj and Kushinagar districts to maintain maximum vigilance. Rising water levels in the Gandak and Narayani rivers, fed by swelling tributaries in Nepal, pose a significant flood threat to these border districts. Authorities have been instructed to ensure all necessary preparations are fully in place to manage potential inundation and protect residents.
Central Government Assures Full Support to Bihar
As the threat of flooding looms over Bihar due to torrential discharges from Nepal's river basins, Union Home Minister Amit Shah conducted a telephonic assessment with Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. During the call, the Home Minister assured the Bihar government of all possible assistance from the Central Government to handle any impending crisis.
Several northern districts of Bihar remain highly vulnerable to sudden water surges originating from catchments in Nepal. Close coordination between the Union Home Ministry and state authorities aims to streamline emergency deployment and disaster management operations should river levels cross critical marks.
Widespread Destruction in Rasuwa and Nuwakot
The impact of the deluge has been particularly severe in the Rasuwa district of Nepal, where Timure and Syabrubesi are among the worst-hit localities. Powerful floodwaters have swept away homes, commercial markets, road networks, and key bridges, while power supply across the region remains completely disrupted. The destruction of transportation links has severely hampered immediate relief work.
In Nuwakot district, floodwaters surrounding the Trishuli market area caused massive destruction, carrying away approximately 60 houses. Two motorable bridges were also swept away by the raging rivers, isolating several settlements. Local authorities in Nuwakot have so far recovered three bodies along the banks of the Trishuli river as search efforts continue.
Damage to Hydropower Projects and Missing Personnel
The flooding has dealt a severe blow to Nepal's energy infrastructure. In Nuwakot, both the Trishuli and Devighat hydropower projects suffered extensive damage. Additionally, three blocks of a 25 MW solar power plant along with an electrical sub-station were completely washed away by the torrents, compounding power outages across the district.
Search and rescue operations remain underway as numerous individuals remain unaccounted for. At least 14 employees of the Rasuwa customs office have gone missing and remain completely unreachable. Furthermore, authorities have lost contact with a substantial number of security personnel deployed across the affected border zone.
