Nepal Flash Flood: India stepped up flood preparedness along its border with Nepal after a devastating flash flood in the Bhote Koshi River in Nepal’s Rasuwa region left at least 16 people dead and hundreds,
including Indians, missing.
Authorities in Bihar and Uttar Pradeshare closely monitoring the situation amid concerns that heavy downstream water flow could affect rivers flowing through the two states. Bihar and Uttar Pradesh share borders with Nepal and several districts in both states are vulnerable to flooding from rivers originating in or flowing through Nepal.
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and assured the state government of central assistance if the situation deteriorates.
Choudhary said a high-level committee has been formed to continuously monitor developments and coordinate the state’s response.
“A high-level team has been constituted. The Chief Secretary and the DGP are monitoring this, and I am also holding a meeting immediately. If necessary, I will go there myself,” the Bihar chief minister said.
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Bihar Steps Up Vigilance Along Nepal Border
The West Champaran district administration has intensified surveillance following reports of a possible Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in Nepal and concerns over rising water levels in rivers flowing into Bihar.
West Champaran District Magistrate Taranjot Singh directed officials and executive engineers to take precautionary measures in villages along the Nepal border and areas located on the banks of the Gandak River.
The district administration said it is maintaining continuous surveillance and has instructed departments concerned to ensure that emergency preparations and arrangements are in place to deal with any possible rise in water levels or other flood-related developments.
Residents have also been advised to remain alert and follow official instructions while avoiding unnecessary movement near rivers.
“The public should not panic, but exercise utmost caution. People living on the banks of the Gandak River and in low-lying areas should not go near the river unnecessarily,” the administration said in its advisory.
It also urged residents to ignore rumours and rely only on information issued by the administration. People have been asked to immediately follow official directions if there is a rise in water levels or any other warning.
Yogi Adityanath Directs UP Officials To Remain Alert
In Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed local administrations in Maharajganj and Kushinagar districts to remain fully vigilant amid rising water levels in the Gandak and Narayani rivers.
In a post on X, Adityanath described the situation in Nepal’s Rasuwa region as “extremely alarming” and expressed concern over the potential impact on areas of Uttar Pradesh.
“The damage caused by the devastating flood in the Bhote Koshi River in Nepal’s Rasuwa region is extremely alarming. Prayers to Lord Pashupatinath for the safety and well-being of all,” he said.
The chief minister said instructions had been issued to the administrations of Maharajganj and Kushinagar to make necessary preparations in view of the rising water levels and the possibility of flooding triggered by the situation in Nepal.
Why Bihar And UP Are On Alert
The concern stems from the possibility that a sudden surge in water from Nepal could increase water levels in rivers flowing downstream into northern India.
The Gandak River, also known as the Narayani in Nepal, enters India from Nepal and flows through Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Districts along the river are therefore particularly vulnerable to sudden changes in water levels during periods of heavy rainfall or flooding upstream.
Authorities in both states are consequently focusing on surveillance, preparedness and early response, particularly in low-lying areas and villages close to rivers and the Nepal border.
Officials have urged residents not to panic but to remain cautious, avoid approaching swollen rivers and follow official advisories as the situation develops.
