Nepal cautious rescue teams to stay alert as flood water rises in Bhotekoshi River

PTC News Desk: The Bhotekoshi River water level rose again on Sunday, days after a devastating flash flood hit the region. Nepalese authorities have warned rescue and search teams in the affected districts to stay alert as the risk of further flooding remains.

The Bhotekoshi River flows south from the Himalayan border area and carried a huge amount of water downstream into central Nepal during Wednesday’s flash floods.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) advised search and rescue teams and residents in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Chitwan to remain cautious. Officials said further updates would be issued after more information was received.

“The water level in the flooded Bhotekoshi river has risen to some extent; all concerned are urged to take precautionary measures,” the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) said in a statement.

Rescue operations continue

Rescue teams are continuing to recover bodies as rainfall and river levels rise again. Authorities said nearly 2,400 people are still missing following the disaster.

More than 15,000 security personnel have been deployed for search and rescue operations. Helicopters are also making regular flights to evacuate stranded people and deliver essential relief materials.

The floods caused major damage along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors, washing away roads and bridges and damaging homes, settlements and hydropower facilities.

Efforts to rescue people from hydropower tunnel

At the Trishuli hydropower project, Nepalese security forces, assisted by Indian tunnel experts, continued working to rescue people trapped inside a tunnel. Despite heavy rain throughout the night, teams continued searching for the tunnel entrance even after midnight on Saturday, according to Nepal Army sources.

Hundreds injured

The NDRRMA said 242 people injured in the Bhotekoshi floods had been admitted to hospitals by Saturday evening. These included Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital and Bir Hospital in Kathmandu, as well as Rasuwa District Hospital in Dhunche.

Of those injured:

135 people have been discharged

29 have been referred to specialised hospitals

75 are still receiving treatment

The flash floods are believed to have been triggered by an ice and rock collapse or avalanche in the Himalayan region near the Nepal-Tibet border. The resulting surge of water, mud and debris swept through central Nepal, destroying towns and villages, homes, vehicles, roads and bridges, while also causing serious damage to hydropower projects.