Nepal Flash Floods LIVE: ‘Gandak River Water Level May Rise’ — SDRF on High Alert in Bihar

Reacting to the harrowing scenes in Nepal, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Pawan Khera quoted Joan Didion's words on X writing, “Life changes fast. Life changes in the instant. You sit down to dinner and life as you know it ends.”

The words perfectly encapsulate the instantaneous nature of the tragedy that unfolded in Nepal yesterday.

Khera also expressed concern over the missing Indians and hoped for their timely rescue.

EAM Jaishankar said in a post on X, "A second flight has just taken off, carrying 37.5 tonnes of HADR material, medicines & food packets for Nepal. India remains in close and continuous touch with the Nepalese authorities. We will continue to strongly support the ongoing relief efforts."

Ground level footage shows people running for their lives as a sudden flash flood tears through the Nepal–Tibet region

More than 300 Indians are missing in flash floods: Nepal Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal.

Nepal was struck by severe flash floods yesterday morning, resulting in loss of life, widespread displacement and extensive damage to homes, roads, bridges, hydropower facilities and other critical infrastructure.

Nepal’s security and disaster-management agencies, local authorities and health services have been fully mobilised for search and rescue, evacuation, emergency medical assistance and relief operations. Authorities are also closely monitoring river systems and downstream flood risks.

Glacial collapse triggered Nepal flash floods, not earthquake: USGS The Nepal flash floods were triggered by a glacial collapse and not by a 4.4 magnitude earthquake as reported earlier, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said. The USGS said additional analysis of the long-period seismic waves indicated that the tremors were generated by a glacial collapse and debris flow.

A devastating flash flood in Nepal’s northern Rasuwa district near the Tibet border has once again highlighted the Himalayan nation’s extreme vulnerability to sudden and destructive floods.

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary has directed officials to remain on high alert after flash floods in Nepal’s upper catchment areas raised concerns over increased water flow in the Gandak river and the possibility of flooding in several districts, prompting opposition leaders Tejashwi Yadav and Prashant Kishor to question the state government’s preparedness.

The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday evening (August 26, 2026) to halt new hydropower projects in the State and order an independent probe into existing ones.

Aerial views reveal the extent of devastation after Nepal flash floods.

Updated emergency helpline numbers for contacting the Embassy of India in Kathmandu:

+977 985 131 6807

+977 970 910 7500

+977 981 032 6117

(These emergency numbers can also be contacted through WhatsApp)

A high alert has been issued in Muzaffarpur in view of flash flood in Nepal. The DM and the SSP inspect the embankment at Gandak river. DM Kumar Gaurav says, "About the prevailing situation in Nepal, the disaster management department and secretary sir did a video conference, they said that there is a chance of increase in water level in Gandak river, three divisions get affected by Gandak, I and SSP did inspection, also of the embankment, all the officers were instructed to be in alert mode. The safety of embankment is very important, we did its inspection."

Husband of stranded tourist from Tiruchirappalli, Shivaranjini, urges state and central governments to ensure their safe return, says 17 in group are safe.

Vigilance has been stepped up in Uttarakhand's border district of Champawat following severe floods in Nepal on Wednesday. The Tanakpur post of the SDRF has been placed on high alert, and people have been urged to stay away from the banks of the Sharda River, officials told PTI.

The next IAF aircraft (C-17) with more than 35 tonnes of relief material will depart from Delhi/Hindon at 0900 hours, approximately, say IAF officials.

The government has intensified search, rescue and relief operations in the areas affected by massive flood in the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa district. To help the civilians at risk, the Nepali Army has already delivered essential food items, tents and relief materials like medicines to the affected areas. Nepali Army and private sector helicopters, along with foot teams, have been activated in Timure and Syabrubesi and riverine areas. The government has urged the residents living near river banks to be on high alert: Prime Minister's Office, Nepal.

In view of the devastating flood in Nepal, the Government of Sikkim has released a helpline number for the assistance of Sikkim's people who may be stranded, affected, or in need of help.

India has reaffirmed its support for Nepal by providing 10 tonnes of humanitarian aid to assist relief and rescue efforts following the devastating floods. Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava handed over the relief materials to Nepal’s Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Khadka Raj Poudel.

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has issued emergency helpline numbers for Indian nationals affected by the devastating flash floods in Nepal. Those seeking assistance or information can contact the Embassy at +977 985 131 6807 or +977 970 910 7500.

Among those reported missing are 142 Indians, along with nationals from Australia, Britain, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Portugal, South Africa, South Korea and the United States, according to the Nepal Tourism Board, as cited by AFP. 

Himalayan infrastructure is highly vulnerable to flash floods because roads, bridges, hydropower projects and settlements are often located in narrow, steep river valleys where there is little room for development. When a sudden flood, landslide or glacial collapse occurs, these valleys can rapidly become channels for powerful flows carrying water, rocks, ice and mud.

The disaster originated in the Himalayan region along the Nepal-Tibet border, with a powerful surge entering Nepal’s Rasuwa district through the Bhote Koshi River. Timure and Rasuwagadhi were among the hardest-hit areas, as torrents of water and debris swept downstream, destroying settlements and critical infrastructure. The flooding then moved further along the river system, affecting areas including Nuwakot and Dhading.

The devastating flash floods in Nepal have killed at least 162 people, while hundreds remain missing as rescue teams continue searching affected areas. The disaster struck the Himalayan region near the Tibet border, with tourists, workers and local residents among those unaccounted for. Reports indicate that more than 400 people are missing, including a large number of Indians, though the figures are still being updated as authorities reach cut-off areas.

Embassy of India in Nepal tweets, "Always with Nepal. Ambassador Naveen Srivastava handed over 10 tons of humanitarian aid materials from India to the Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mr. Khadka Raj Poudel. This assistance will contribute to the relief efforts following the devastating floods. India stands firmly with Nepal and is committed to providing all possible support."

A GLOF occurs when water stored in a glacial lake is suddenly released, usually after the failure or overtopping of a natural barrier such as a moraine, ice or rock.

Glacial lakes can expand as glaciers retreat and meltwater accumulates. Landslides, rockfalls, glacier collapse, displacement waves or seepage can then trigger a breach, sending water, sediment and debris rapidly downstream.

Americans in areas affected by the recent flash flooding in Nepal can contact 24/7 at +1-202-501-4444 for assitance.

Family and friends in the United States who are concerned about American loved ones in Nepal can call us toll free at +1-888-407-4747.

Experts said a glacial collapse caused the disaster in the warming Himalayan region.

The U.S. Geological Survey first reported a magnitude 4.4 earthquake early Wednesday, about 66 kilometers (41 miles) north of Kathmandu, near the border. The USGS later updated its analysis to say the seismic event it measured was a magnitude 5.2 glacial collapse that sent debris flowing downstream with catastrophic impact on communities. It said its determination was based on data from nearby seismic stations, long period seismic waves and satellite imagery, and that no earthquake had occurred.

Inputs from AP

Vigilance has been stepped up in Uttarakhand’s border district of Champawat following severe flooding in Nepal. The SDRF’s Tanakpur post has been placed on high alert, with teams patrolling vulnerable areas around the Sharda Ghat and Sharda Barrage and monitoring the river’s water level.

Residents, travellers and fishermen have been urged to stay away from the Sharda River banks amid the risk of rising water levels. The Uttarakhand government has also activated helplines for people from the state stranded in Nepal. Assistance is available through the SEOC numbers 0135-2710334, 2710335, 2664314, 2664315, 2664316, 8218867005, or the toll-free number 1070.

More than 130 Indians, including at least 59 Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims, are still missing after flash floods swept through central Nepal. Communication links remain disrupted in several affected areas, making it difficult to establish the whereabouts of those stranded.

Tamil Nadu officials are trying to trace 37 of 57 tourists from the state, while four of seven Maharashtra tourists reported stranded in Nepal have been accounted for. A 32-member Kailash Mansarovar group from Kolkata also remains untraceable after the flood struck near the Rasuwagadhi immigration office.

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has activated emergency numbers +977 985 131 6807 and +977 970 910 7500 for affected Indian nationals and their families.