KATHMANDU, Aug 26: A sudden flash flood that entered Nepal from the Tibetan side has caused extensive damage in Nuwakot and Rasuwa, particularly in Timure and Syabrubesi, prompting authorities to launch emergency rescue and relief operations and issue high alerts along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers.
The Bhotekoshi River surged suddenly on Wednesday morning, damaging settlements, roads and hydropower infrastructure in the area. The full extent of the damage and casualties remains unclear as authorities continue to gather information from affected areas.
Rasuwa Assistant Chief District Officer Dhurba Prasad Adhikari said the sharp rise in the river’s water level had increased the risk to settlements along its banks. Residents in vulnerable areas have been urged to move to safer locations and remain on high alert.
Several hydropower projects in the area have reportedly sustained damage. Officials and local residents said floodwaters swept through parts of Timure and Syabrubesi, while infrastructure along the river corridor was affected.
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The cause of the sudden surge has not yet been officially confirmed. A possible glacial lake outburst on the Tibetan side has been suggested, but authorities are continuing to assess the source of the flood.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has warned residents living along riverbanks in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan to exercise extreme caution, saying water levels could rise further downstream.
The flooding has also raised concerns over the safety of security personnel stationed in the affected area. Several Armed Police Force personnel deployed at the Timure border area remain out of contact, according to preliminary reports, while authorities continue efforts to establish their status.
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has directed the mobilisation of the Nepali Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Policefor rescue and relief operations. Additional security personnel from other districts have been dispatched to the affected areas.
Emergency response agencies have also been activated, with medical teams, Nepal Scouts and the Nepal Red Cross Society being mobilised. Additional ambulances and medical personnel are being prepared for deployment.
Chief District Officers have been instructed to relocate residents from downstream and other vulnerable areas to safer locations. Authorities are using SMS and telephone calls to alert residents and have urged people to avoid unnecessary movement near rivers, streams and other flood-prone areas.
Helicopters have been placed on standby for rescue and relief operations. Private helicopter companies have also been asked to keep aircraft ready, with some helicopters already heading toward the affected areas.
A high-level meeting has been called to assess the situation and determine further measures.
Authorities have urged residents to remain in safe locations and follow official instructions. People who have lost contact with relatives in affected areas have been asked to wait for official rescue updates and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
The government has provided 1234, 100 and 1111 for emergency information and assistance as rescue, relief and damage-assessment operations continue.
