New Delhi: A massive deluge in Nepal has wreaked havoc, leaving scars that will never be forgotten. So far, 600 people have lost their lives, and over 2,500 are reported missing; the death toll is likely to rise. The injured, who were trapped in the debris, have been rescued and hospitalised. Scenes of anguish and wailing fill the areas outside the hospitals.
Everyone is frantically searching for their loved ones, with no one left to offer solace. The mere memory of the flood brings tears to people’s eyes, often leading to outbursts of inconsolable grief. Contact has not yet been established with 100 people of Indian origin.
Relief and rescue operations are proceeding at a rapid pace. Efforts are underway to extract people trapped in the debris of collapsed houses and tunnels. A glimmer of hope has emerged as contact has been established with 400 Indians who are safe in the hilly regions. The water level in the Bhote Koshi River remains steady.
Devastation Caused by a Glacier Burst
Catastrophic destruction was unleashed following a glacier burst near the Langtang Lirung mountain range, located along the Nepal-Tibet border; the event triggered an avalanche of ice and rock. The disaster originated in the high-altitude mountainous regions. Preliminary investigations indicate that after the glacier fractured, a massive volume of ice, rock, and debris surged downwards. This debris fell into the Lende River, temporarily blocking the flow of water.
Consequently, areas surrounding the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers were engulfed by the disaster. Numerous settlements, roads, bridges, and power projects were destroyed. Rescuing those trapped in the debris now remains the greatest challenge. According to the Nepal Red Cross, more than 90,000 people have been affected by this disaster. The floods have also impacted hydroelectric projects. Approximately 933 employees associated with 13 hydropower projects are reported missing.
Lake Raises Concerns
Following the flood disaster, concern has now shifted to a temporary lake formed along the river’s path. Water is accumulating significantly because the river’s flow has been obstructed by debris. Continuous monitoring is being conducted using satellite imagery. According to Chinese officials, approximately 2 million cubic meters of water have already accumulated in this lake, and an additional 3 million cubic meters are expected to flow in over the next three days.
Current Water Levels in the River
According to media reports, as of 6:30 AM on Saturday, the water flow in the Bhotekoshi River (Rasuwa) and the Trishuli River (flowing through Nuwakot) appears to be normal. The Flood Forecasting Division reported no significant fluctuations in the water levels of either river. Meanwhile, hydrologist Prabhakar Yadav of the Flood Forecasting Division noted that there has been no indication of a rapid rise in water levels.
