22 dead, 384 missing as air rescue ops continue in Nepal amid massive flash floods

At least 22 people have died and 384 are missing following a devastating flash flood in Nepal's Bhotekoshi River. The torrent swept through settlements in Rasuwa and neighboring districts on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction. The Kathmandu Post reported that among the missing are 291 foreign nationals and 32 security personnel, highlighting the international impact of the disaster.

Critical infrastructure has been heavily damaged. Sixty individuals associated with the 20-megawatt Langtang Khola Hydropower Project are unaccounted for, including 35 workers trapped inside a tunnel. Additionally, 15 employees at the Rasuwa Customs Office in Timure are reported missing. The scale of the destruction is immense, with riverside settlements in Rasuwa and Nuwakot decimated and dozens of concrete bridges washed away.

Massive air rescue and medical evacuation efforts are in progress, with the Nepali Army having rescued 88 people so far. Thirteen injured individuals have been admitted to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu. However, severe weather conditions have significantly hampered the 12 mobilized helicopters, forcing many flights to turn back. Widespread communication disruptions are also impeding emergency responses.

India has pledged full humanitarian assistance to Nepal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with his Nepalese counterpart, Balendra Shah, conveying condolences and affirming India's solidarity. Indian transport aircraft, including C-17 and C-130J, have been placed on standby for relief operations. Preliminary records indicate that approximately 105 Indian nationals are among the foreign nationals reported missing.

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Spoke to Prime Minister Balendra Shah and conveyed condolences over the loss of lives due to floods in the Himalayan nation and said India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance.