Disaster Management

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan chaired a review meeting with Himalayan States and Union Territories on 3 September on preparedness for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods and snow avalanches. He called for continuous surveillance of vulnerable glacial lakes and avalanche-prone regions and stronger early warning systems.

The death toll from the Bhote Koshi–Trishuli flash floods rose past 1,000 on 1 September and to 1,252 by 3 September. Two hydropower workers were pulled alive from a debris-buried tunnel on 4 September. India’s External Affairs Ministry said 275 Indians were still missing and 169 had been rescued.

Flash floods in Nepal’s Bhote Koshi–Trishuli river system, set off by an ice-rock avalanche, killed 788 people by 30 August with about 2,500 still missing. Two fresh glacial lakes formed near the avalanche source, and a preliminary Chinese assessment pointed to the collapse of a high-altitude glacier. At least 320 Indians remained uncontactable and 400 were stranded; India sent aircraft with relief material and an expert panel.