Nepal floods claim at least 95 lives as hundreds of foreigners go missing

A total of 95 ‌bodies ⁠have ⁠been recovered after flash floods hit the Himalayan ‌border areas of Nepal ⁠and Tibet, a police official told Reuters on Wednesday.

An avalanche of ice and rock triggered massive flash floods in Nepal, leaving hundreds of people missing while causing widespread damage to villages and infrastructure.

Also read: India assures all possible humanitarian, relief assistance to flood-hit Nepal


Officials said 384 tourists, including 291 from countries such as India, the United States, the United Kingdom and Malaysia, were reported missing. At least 105 Indian tourists are among the missing travellers after flash floods swept through Nepal’s Rasuwa district.

Nepal has urged both India and China to assist with the rescue efforts, said Sasmit Pokharel, a spokesperson for the Nepali government.

The flash floods burried dozens of multi-storied buildings, trucks, and vans under vast quantities of mud in the district of Nuwakot, one of the worst-affected areas. Authorities have warned residents in several of Nepal, asking them to stay away from the banks of the Bhotekoshi, Trishuli, and Narayani rivers.

PM Modi speaks with Nepal PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah and conveyed condolences over the loss of lives due to floods in the Himalayan nation. He assured that India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance.

He said India stands firmly in solidarity with "sisters and brothers in Nepal" during this difficult time.

Track live updates of Nepal flash floods here

The PM said teams from both countries are coordinating closely in the rescue and relief efforts.

"Spoke to Prime Minister Balendra Shah and conveyed condolences on the loss of lives due to the floods in Nepal. The people of India stand in solidarity with their sisters and brothers in Nepal at this difficult time. India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance to Nepal. Our teams are coordinating closely on rescue and relief efforts," PM Modi said in a post on X.

The Indian Embassy in Nepal remains actively engaged with the authorities in Nepal for early rescue and relief of Indian nationals impacted by the severe flash floods.

Nepal says cause of disaster under assessment

Embassy of Nepal in India released a statement, saying, "Nepal was struck by a severe and unprecedented flash flood this morning, resulting in the tragic loss of lives, reports of missing persons and extensive damage to homes, roads, bridges, hydropower facilities and other infrastructure in the affected areas."

The diplomatic institution affirmed that the country's security agencies, disaster-management authorities, local administrations, health services and other concerned bodies have been fully mobilized to conduct search and rescue, evacuation, emergency medical assistance and relief operations through every available means.

"Authorities are also closely monitoring river systems and the risk of further flooding in downstream areas. As the situation remains fluid, information concerning casualties, missing persons and the full extent of the damage is still being verified. The cause of the disaster is also under assessment," it said.

The Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi is in close contact with the Government of Nepal and "stands ready to facilitate any necessary coordination with the Government of India, as directed by Kathmandu."