Over 100 Indians Among Hundreds Missing in Nepal Flash Flood Fury, Death Toll Crosses 150

Kathmandu: A devastating flash flood in Nepal's Himalayan border region has left hundreds of people missing, including more than 100 Indian nationals, many of whom were travelling towards Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet.

The disaster struck areas close to the Nepal-China border, sending a massive surge of muddy water, rocks and debris through settlements, roads and infrastructure.

The death toll in Nepal has already crossed 150, according to reports, but authorities fear the number could increase significantly as rescue teams reach more affected areas and recover additional bodies.

More than 100 Indians missing

Nepalese tourism officials said more than 100 Indians were among the people reported missing from the flood-hit region.

Most of the missing Indians are believed to have been pilgrims travelling towards Kailash Mansarovar, one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the Himalayas.

The affected route is used by thousands of pilgrims and tourists travelling between Nepal and Tibet.

Reports have indicated that pilgrims from several Indian states were caught in the disaster, while other foreign nationals from countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Malaysia and Canada are also among those missing.

Death toll crosses 150

The scale of destruction has made it difficult for authorities to establish the final number of casualties.

Nepal had recovered at least 157 bodies by Wednesday night, while reports on Thursday indicated that the death toll had risen further.

Officials have warned that the number is likely to rise as rescue teams gain access to isolated locations and continue searching through collapsed buildings and debris.

The disaster has destroyed homes, roads, bridges and other essential infrastructure, making rescue operations particularly difficult.

A massive wall of water and debris

The flood struck after a major collapse of ice and rock in the Himalayan region.

Initial reports considered whether an earthquake had triggered the event, but subsequent analysis indicated that the seismic signal was associated with the collapse itself rather than a conventional earthquake.

The resulting flow carried huge quantities of mud, rocks and water into river valleys, producing catastrophic flooding downstream.

Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims caught in disaster

The affected region is a major transit route for people travelling to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet.

The pilgrimage is particularly important for Hindus and is also sacred in Buddhism, Jainism and the Tibetan Bon tradition.

Many Indian pilgrims travel through Nepal before crossing into Tibet.

The timing of the disaster therefore meant that a large number of Indian pilgrims and other international tourists were present in the region.

Roads and bridges swept away

The flood caused widespread destruction to transportation infrastructure.

Roads and bridges were washed away, cutting off several settlements and making it difficult for rescuers to reach people who may still be trapped.

Buildings were also submerged or buried under thick layers of mud.

Videos from the affected region showed powerful currents carrying vehicles and debris through populated areas.

Rescue operations underway

Nepal has mobilised its security forces and emergency teams for search and rescue operations.

Helicopters are being used to reach isolated communities, search for survivors and deliver emergency supplies.

However, damaged roads, communication disruptions and difficult Himalayan terrain are slowing the operation.

Rescuers are also facing the possibility of further flooding in some areas.

India steps up assistance

The Indian government has been closely monitoring the situation.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with the Chief Ministers of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh after the disaster, while border areas that could be affected by downstream flooding were placed on high alert.

The National Disaster Response Force and local rescue teams have also been placed on alert in vulnerable areas.

India has also begun sending relief supplies to Nepal. An Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft carried emergency supplies including medicines and food items as part of the relief effort.

Concern spreads to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar

The disaster has also raised concerns in northern India because floodwaters from Nepal can move downstream through rivers such as the Gandak.

Authorities in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have been monitoring river levels and vulnerable areas.

Three bodies, including those of two women, were recovered from the Gandak River in Uttar Pradesh's Maharajganj district on Thursday. Officials believe they may have been swept downstream from flood-hit Nepal.

The danger is not over

Officials are continuing to monitor river systems because additional water and debris could move downstream.

The Indian government has advised authorities in vulnerable border districts to remain alert and maintain close monitoring.

In Nepal itself, rescue agencies are racing against time to locate people who remain missing.

Families desperately await news

For families across India and other countries, the biggest concern is the lack of communication with relatives who were travelling through the affected region.

Many pilgrims were reportedly in transit when the disaster struck, making it difficult for authorities to immediately establish their whereabouts.

The identification of survivors and recovered bodies is expected to take time because communications and transport links have been severely disrupted.

A disaster of uncertain scale

The full scale of the catastrophe is still emerging.

While the confirmed death toll has crossed 150, hundreds remain unaccounted for and authorities continue to warn that the number of casualties could rise.

The disaster has affected both local communities and international tourists, turning a major Himalayan pilgrimage and tourism corridor into a large-scale rescue zone.

What happens next?

Rescue teams will continue searching for survivors, while authorities work to restore roads, communications and access to isolated areas.

The immediate priority remains locating the missing, treating survivors and moving vulnerable people to safety.

For India, the focus is also on locating its citizens and supporting Nepal's relief operations.

With more than 100 Indians among those missing and the death toll already above 150, the Nepal flash flood has emerged as one of the region's most serious disasters in recent years. The final scale of the tragedy will become clearer only as search and rescue operations progress.