A massive flash flood swept through Nepal’s Bhote Koshi–Trishuli river basin on Wednesday, devastating Rasuwa and neighbouring districts after floodwaters surged from the Tibet side.

Nepal Police said 403 Nepalese and foreign tourists remain missing in Rasuwa. Among those missing are 203 women and 200 men. The missing include 341 foreign nationals, including 133 Indians, while 62 are Nepalese.

The exact cause is still being investigated. Nepal’s Foreign Minister said preliminary reports suggest an earthquake may have triggered an avalanche, potentially causing the catastrophic flood.

Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitawan and Gorkha remain on alert as rescue teams work to reach stranded people.

India Steps In With Relief and Rescue Support

As Nepal battles the devastation, India has moved swiftly to extend humanitarian assistance.

The Indian Air Force deployed a C-130J aircraft carrying 10 tonnes of essential relief materials and medical supplies to Nepal. The IAF has also said that additional C-17 and C-130 aircraft will transport more relief supplies, while helicopters have been earmarked for rescue and evacuation operations.

The rapid response reflects India's long-standing commitment to supporting its neighbouring country during times of crisis.

India's assistance comes as downstream areas also prepare for possible flooding. Authorities in Bihar are reviewing the flood threat, while Maharajganj and Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh have been placed on high alert over the possibility of rising Gandak-Narayani river levels.

A Gesture of Friendship in a Time of Grief

Nepal has welcomed India's response. Prime Minister Balendra Shah's office thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his condolences and India's offer of humanitarian assistance. Nepal's Prime Minister's Office expressed appreciation for Modi's call and described India's support as a reflection of the enduring bonds of friendship between the two nations.

At a moment of profound loss, the message carries significance beyond relief supplies—it is a reminder that neighbours can stand together when disaster strikes.

Help for Indians in Nepal

The Indian Embassy in Nepal has issued emergency contact numbers for Indian nationals affected by the floods:

+977 985 131 6807
+977 970 910 7500

As rescue operations continue, India and Nepal face a race against time to locate those missing and bring stranded people to safety.