Bhagalpur: On Wednesday, a sudden flood caused huge devastation in Nepal's northern Rasuwa district near the Tibet border. A total of 105 Indians went missing and 9 people were reported dead in this flood. Floods swept away homes, vehicles, bridges and infrastructure project sites. Water is flowing downwards due to which an alert has been issued in Bihar adjacent to Nepal.
Strong current came from Tibet, maximum damage in Timure and Syapru Besi
Regarding this incident, officials said that at around 9 am in the morning, there was a strong flow of water in Bhote Koshi river from Tibet side due to which Timure and Syapru Besi were badly affected.
According to a report by China's state news agency Xinhua, a mudslide occurred near the Giyirong border crossing in Tibet, causing casualties and many missing. The reason for this sudden flood is not clear yet.
Nepal's flood forecasting department says that this is unlikely to happen due to heavy rains in Rasuwa, while satellite images have shown heavy rains towards Tibet. According to the report of Kathmandu Post, officials are investigating the possibility of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood or GLOF.
Viral videos on social media show the raging nature of the rivers; in one video, flood waters are carrying away a bridge and in another, a house is seen collapsing like a deck of cards.
Village and border market washed away, 430 MW power supply halted
According to Reuters, Rasuwa's chief district official Narendra Pariyar said there were reports of villages and infrastructure project sites being washed away, although the extent of the damage was not immediately clear.
He said that there could be huge loss of life and property. Timure Bazaar and the nearby Customs area, located near the Tibetan border, were heavily damaged, with vehicles and goods washed away.
The new Friendship Bridge in Rasuwagadhi, which was rebuilt after last year's floods, was also washed away. According to Nepal Police, three police stations have been damaged. 9 soldiers of the Armed Police Force deployed in Timure have been reported missing.
The floods also damaged hydroelectric infrastructure, roads and bridges. The power ministry said about 430 MW of power supply has been affected, which is more than 12 percent of the country's total capacity of 3.2 gigawatts. The water of Rasuwa Bhote Koshi has reached Narayani Devghat and the water level is continuously rising.
Alert in Bihar, helicopters are not able to land in rescue operation
Nepal government started rescue operations in flood affected areas but helicopters could not land where there was high water. Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah presided over the emergency meeting of the Council of Ministers.
Police, Nepali Army and Armed Police Force have been deployed while two army helicopters have been sent. Army spokesman Raja Ram Basnet said the water level in Syafrubesi and Timure was so high that helicopters could not land.
Bihar government in India has increased vigilance. Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit held a video conference with the district magistrates and directed the officials of the districts adjoining Gandak and Kosi rivers to be especially alert. Chinese President Xi Jinping also stressed on comprehensive search for missing people and strengthening the early warning system.