As flash floods strike Nepal, authorities in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have intensified preparations to handle potential downstream impacts from the heavy water flow.
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced that a high-level committee has been formed to continuously monitor the evolving situation. Bihar Health Minister Nishant Kumar confirmed that the Health Department is on alert, closely monitoring developments, and holding meetings to enable rapid assistance if needed. A sudden flood in Nepal’s Rasuwa district on Wednesday claimed at least eight lives, with several others, including Indians, reported missing. A sudden flood in Nepal’s Rasuwa district on Wednesday caused at least eight deaths and left several others, including Indians, missing, while also inflicting extensive damage.
The inundation also inflicted widespread damage in the affected zones, leading authorities in neighbouring Indian regions to heighten monitoring and precautionary steps. Several major rivers flow from Nepal into Bihar, notably the Gandak River (also called the Narayani), which experienced the flash flood, along with the Kosi River. These waterways originate in the Himalayas and Tibet before reaching the Indian plains. This has prompted intensified monitoring and precautionary measures in neighbouring Indian regions. Several major rivers originating in the Himalayas and Tibet flow from Nepal into Bihar, particularly the Gandak (also known as the Narayani), which experienced the flash flood, and the Kosi. In Uttar Pradesh, key rivers from Nepal include the Ghaghara (Karnali), Sharda (Kali), Gandak, and Rapti. Choudhary stated that a high-level team has been set up, with the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police overseeing the matter; he is holding an immediate meeting and is prepared to visit the area himself if required. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken with the Bihar Chief Minister regarding the state’s readiness. Residents have been advised to stay alert without panicking, strictly follow official directives, avoid unnecessary proximity to the Gandak River or low-lying areas, disregard rumours, and rely solely on administration-issued information. In the event of rising water or other warnings, they should immediately comply with official instructions. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that Maharajganj and Kushinagar districts have been placed on alert. Instructions have been issued to local administrations to remain fully vigilant and complete necessary preparations in view of rising water levels in the Gandak and Narayani rivers and the potential for flooding.
An official statement from the Disaster Management Department noted that the situation is under watch due to the flash floods in the upper catchment of the Gandak River in Nepal and the risk of a sudden surge in water levels. Following flash floods in Nepal that left at least eight people dead (with some reports citing 16 fatalities), authorities in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have heightened preparations for possible downstream flooding from increased water flows.
Nepali media reports indicated that the floodwaters originated from the Tibetan side of the border, resulting in widespread destruction and the washing away of several villages in Nepal. At least 384 travellers, comprising 291 foreigners and 93 Nepali nationals—are reported missing from the flood-hit area, according to the Nepal Tourism Board. Officials stated that 105 of the foreigners are Indian nationals. An official further reported that at least 26 Nepal Police personnel remain missing in Rasuwa district, while the Armed Police Force confirmed that seven of its members are also missing.
