The flash floods in Nepal have caused significant damage in bordering areas, including the loss of at least eight lives. Local reports indicated that several people are missing after floodwaters surged through Nepal’s Nuwakot and Dhading districts, with the Bhote Koshi River’s rise attributed to water originating on the Tibetan side of the border.
The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has activated 11 Rescue and Relief Teams (RRTs) along the India-Nepal border following a sudden flash flood in Nepal on Wednesday morning, while an additional seven teams have been kept on standby for potential emergency operations.
A senior SSB official stated that the organisation, responsible for guarding the India-Nepal border, issued alerts across its formations in response to the disaster. The teams are prepared to assist state governments and local authorities in rescue, relief, and emergency response efforts.
The alert coincides with forecasts of increased water flow in the Koshi and Narayani river basins, along with the risk of flash floods in smaller rivers across Nepal. The SSB is also monitoring vulnerable regions near the Ghaghara, Karnali and Mahakali river systems within Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand due to concerns over higher water discharge.
SSB battalions have been directed to maintain close surveillance of the situation and coordinate with civil administration agencies to ensure swift mobilisation of resources if required.
The preparedness measures come amid apprehension over downstream impacts of heavy rainfall and sudden rises in river flows originating from Nepal. The SSB also oversees security on the India-Bhutan border and maintains operational units capable of supporting local authorities during disaster scenarios.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary regarding flood threats in the state resulting from heavy rain and a glacier burst in Nepal.
Shah assured the Bihar government of full Central support and urged necessary preparedness measures for any emergencies.
He confirmed mobilisation of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to assist state authorities if needed and highlighted ongoing close monitoring and coordination between the Centre and Bihar to enable timely disaster response.
The flash floods in Nepal have caused significant damage in bordering areas, including the loss of at least eight lives. Local reports indicated that several people are missing after floodwaters surged through Nepal’s Nuwakot and Dhading districts, with the Bhote Koshi River’s rise attributed to water originating on the Tibetan side of the border.
In response, Bihar officials have enhanced preparedness due to potential increased water levels downstream. Major rivers such as the Gandak (Narayani) and the Kosi, which originate in the Himalayan and Tibetan regions of Nepal, flow through Bihar and pose flood risks during such events.