105 Indians Among Missing as Nepal Flood Spurs China Search, India Relief Push

The border has triggered a cross-border emergency, with Nepal, China and India stepping up rescue and relief efforts as authorities race to locate hundreds of missing people.

The Bhote Koshi River surged through Rasuwa and adjoining areas on Wednesday, washing away homes, roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure. The Nepal Tourism Board’s preliminary list puts 384 travellers missing, including 105 Indians and 37 NRIs. Nepalese security forces, local authorities and tourism agencies are searching affected settlements and verifying travellers through guides, tour operators and records.

China has launched a search-and-rescue operation on the Tibetan side. More than 500 rescuers have been deployed around Gyirong, where flooding damaged roads, communications and power infrastructure. Chinese authorities are also evacuating vulnerable residents and monitoring for possible secondary flooding caused by upstream blockages.

India has offered Nepal all possible humanitarian and relief assistance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah, expressed condolences and assured him of Indian support. New Delhi is coordinating with Nepalese authorities to trace missing Indian nationals, verify those rescued or evacuated and help families obtain confirmed information.

India is also preparing NDRF support and relief consignments containing medicines, rations and other essential material. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu is coordinating with Nepalese agencies and maintaining emergency communication channels for Indians and their relatives.

The disaster has also raised concern downstream in India. Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are on heightened alert, particularly along the Gandak system. Bihar authorities are closely monitoring river levels and upstream flows, while disaster-response teams are being kept ready in vulnerable districts. The Centre is coordinating with Bihar, and NDRF mobilisation is being prepared for any emergency.

Authorities are also monitoring the possibility of further flooding because debris or blockages upstream could unleash another surge. For now, the priority across the region is clear: find survivors, establish the status of missing travellers, protect downstream communities and deliver emergency relief while terrain and damaged infrastructure continue to hamper operations.