Flash flood hits Rasuwa, damages hydropower projects and markets

A sudden surge in the Bhote Koshi river has caused significant damage to settlements and infrastructure in Nepal's Rasuwa district. The flash flood swept through the Timure and Syabrubesi areas, impacting markets and hydropower projects, including the Chilime Hydropower Project.

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We have received reports that the flood came suddenly. We do not yet know the extent of the damage. We have heard that it caused fairly significant damage. We are trying to contact people in the affected areas.

Authorities are warning of rising water levels downstream along the Trishuli river. The Rasuwa District Administration Office urged people working near or living along the riverbanks to move to safety and for hydropower projects to take necessary precautions. The exact cause of the flood remains unclear, as there was no rainfall in the district.

"We have received reports that the flood came suddenly. We do not yet know the extent of the damage. We have heard that it caused fairly significant damage. We are trying to contact people in the affected areas," said Rasuwa Chief District Officer Narendra Pariyar. He noted that the sun was out and there was no rain, leading to speculation about potential upstream causes like a glacial lake burst.

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It looked as though the water had come after a dam had burst.

Security personnel have been deployed along the Trishuli river in downstream Nuwakot and Dhading districts, where residents have also been alerted. A high-level team, including the Finance Minister, is coordinating with local agencies on search and rescue efforts.

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There has been no rain here. The sun is out. We don’t know whether a glacial lake burst upstream or what happened. The flood appeared suddenly. It appears to have affected settlements. We do not have all the details yet.