A severe and sudden flood reached Nepal via the Bhote Koshi River from the Tibetan side in Rasuwa on Wednesday morning, resulting in widespread damage in Timure, Rasuwagadhi and Syabrubesi. The houses, the market areas, the roads, the police facilities and the hydropower infrastructure were all affected, and the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
It has not yet been confirmed what exactly caused the sudden increase. Although the first reports stated that the large amount of water came from the Tibetan side, the authorities are still investigating what caused the incident.
Flood Risk Extends Downstream
People have been advised to stay highly alert by the authorities as the floodwater passes through the Trishuli River system. The flood has already arrived in Nuwakot, and residents around Galchhi in Dhading have also been warned about rising water levels. The alert goes up to Muglin, meaning that the settlements and infrastructure situated along the riverside in the Trishuli corridor are in a vulnerable position.
It is being asked of the people residing near the river in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan to relocate to safer areas and to avoid any unnecessary travel in the vicinity of the riverbanks.
Rescue and Emergency Response
The security and disaster-response agencies of Nepal have been put into action to carry out rescue and relief work. The Nepal Army, the Armed Police Force and the Nepal Police, together with the disaster-management agencies and medical teams, are addressing the emergency. More personnel, ambulances and medical assistance are being readied, and helicopters are being kept on hand in case they are needed for rescue operations.
People in areas that are vulnerable should relocate to higher and safer ground, keep away from the riverbanks, and should not make an attempt to cross any roads or bridges that are flooded. It is necessary to follow the instructions given by the authorities rather than relying on unverified information that is being passed on through social media.
If you need urgent help or information, authoriteis has extended their helpline:
1234: Toll Free Number
100: Nepali Police
1111: Helpline number
Roads and Routes Under Risk
The state of affairs could have a major impact on travel in the Langtang area and on the Prithvi Highway, since both of these routes pass through regions near the river system that has been affected. The authorities are asking people to stay away from unnecessary journeys on the vulnerable sections, such as the Prithvi Highway and the Galchhi–Nuwakot–Rasuwa–Syabrubesi route, until it is safer.
We are thinking of the families and communities who have been hit by this sudden disaster. Please remain alert, avoid the river, assist vulnerable people to get to safety, and depend on the official rescue and emergency notices.
