Nepal flash floods LIVE: At least 95 dead, more than 400 missing; India sends first tranche of relief materials

At least 157 people were confirmed dead and more than 400, including around 133 Indians, were missing or out of contact after a massive flash flood in Nepal’s Bhotekoshi River swept through villages in Rasuwa, a district bordering China’s Tibet region, on Wednesday morning, authorities said.

“Several security personnel, government officials and employees of hydropower projects are also out of contact,” the PMO said. “The disaster has damaged 19 motorable bridges and 40 kilometres of road.”

Officials said the death toll could rise and that it would take days to assess the full extent of the damage.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah said in a social media post that he was left with a “heavy heart”. “The entire nation has been left shocked and deeply saddened by the loss of life and damage to property,” he added, describing the disaster as “sudden” and “massive”. Stating that the government immediately mobilised all its resources for rescue operations, he vowed that rescue operations would continue through the night.

District administrations in the Marathwada region have announced phone numbers where relatives of tourists who are stuck in Nepal or missing following flash floods in that country can provide information.

The disaster management departments of Parbhani, Latur, Hingoli, Jalna and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar have appealed to relatives to share information about the tourists they cannot contact or who are stuck somewhere in Nepal.

The two numbers provided by the Latur administration are 023 82220204 and 1077 (toll free).

The Sikkim government today set up a helpline to assist residents whose family members or relatives may be stranded or affected by flash flood in Nepal, officials said.

In a press release, the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) said the helpline would facilitate information sharing, coordination of rescue and assistance, and communication with authorities.

“People in Sikkim who have family members or relatives currently in Nepal and affected by the floods are requested to contact the helpline [03592-201145, 03592-202461 and 03592-202256] with relevant details,” the release said.

Rajasthan government today issued helpline numbers for those seeking information or assistance regarding people from the state currently travelling in Nepal, in the wake of the devastating floods.

The Disaster Management Department said families seeking information or assistance regarding any Rajasthan resident travelling in Nepal can contact the State Emergency Operation Centre on toll-free numbers 1070 and 112.

They can also contact the centre on 0141-2851960, 0141-2385776, 0141-2385777, 0141-2227296, 0141-2927392 and 0141-2227603, it said in a statement.