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Kathmandu: Nepal is facing a massive humanitarian crisis after a devastating flood triggered by a glacier-related disaster near the Nepal-Tibet border. Three days after the tragedy, rescue teams are still searching through debris, while hundreds of families await information about their loved ones.
The disaster has not only affected Nepal but has also raised concerns in neighbouring China and India, especially in flood-prone areas of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Senior journalist Manoj Tibrewal Aakash explains the complete situation in his special show “The MTA Speaks” from how the disaster began to why India’s border states are now on alert.
The disaster began on August 26 when a massive glacier-related event occurred in the Himalayan region near the Nepal-Tibet border.
At an altitude of around 5,200 metres, a huge mass of ice, rocks and debris collapsed into the river system, creating a powerful flash flood. The sudden surge of water and debris moved downstream, damaging villages, roads, bridges and hydropower projects.
The worst impact was reported in areas around the Lhende and Bhote Koshi river systems, including Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading districts. Unlike a normal flood, this flash flood carried huge rocks, trees and mountain debris, making rescue operations extremely difficult.
According to reports, the death toll in Nepal has crossed 600, while thousands of people remain missing. More than 90,000 people have been affected by the disaster.
Several areas are still difficult to access due to destroyed roads, damaged bridges and communication failures. Rescue teams are facing major challenges while searching for people trapped under debris and inside damaged infrastructure.
A large number of workers connected with hydropower projects are also feared missing, with rescue teams struggling to reach affected sites.
The danger has not ended yet. Experts have raised concerns over a possible formation of a temporary lake-like structure due to debris blocking water flow in the mountains.
If the natural barrier collapses suddenly, another flash flood could hit downstream areas. Due to bad weather and the risk of sudden water flow, rescue operations have also faced interruptions.
The disaster has also impacted parts of China’s Tibet region. Chinese authorities have launched rescue operations in affected areas and increased monitoring of glacier lakes. China has also announced emergency assistance for disaster-hit regions.
The United States has announced humanitarian assistance of $500,000 for Nepal. The aid will support emergency shelters, relief supplies, clean water and sanitation facilities.
The impact of Nepal’s disaster is being closely monitored in India because several rivers originating in Nepal enter Indian states. Rivers like Gandak, Kosi and Bagmati flow from Nepal into India, making sudden increases in water levels a concern for downstream areas.
In Uttar Pradesh, districts like Kushinagar and Maharajganj are being monitored. Authorities are keeping a close watch on the Gandak river system. In Bihar, districts including West Champaran, Gopalganj, Saran, Muzaffarpur and Vaishali have been placed under increased vigilance.
Officials have said that the situation is currently under control, but any heavy rainfall in Nepal’s mountains could increase the risk.
India has sent multiple consignments of relief material to Nepal, including tents, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps and medicines. By August 29, India had delivered around 62 tonnes of relief supplies through three airlifts.
A medical and technical team has also reached Nepal to assist with rescue operations. India has offered support through NDRF personnel, technical experts and emergency infrastructure assistance.
The disaster has also raised concerns over Indian citizens stranded in Nepal. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, around 320 Indians are still reported missing or unreachable.
At least 84 Indians have been rescued so far, including workers linked to hydropower projects and pilgrims from Tamil Nadu. However, broken communication networks and damaged roads continue to make tracking missing people difficult.
The biggest challenge for Nepal now is not only saving lives but also restoring basic connectivity. Rescue teams are searching for missing people, identifying bodies, providing food and medicines, and repairing damaged infrastructure.
With destroyed roads, unstable mountain terrain and the possibility of another flash flood, Nepal’s rescue operation remains a race against time.
Meanwhile, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh continue monitoring river levels as authorities prepare for any possible impact from the Himalayan disaster.
