Nepal flash floods LIVE: At least 157 dead, hundreds missing; India sends first tranche of relief materials - The Hindu

**Flash Floods Ravage Nepal’s Karnali Region, Leaving Hundreds Dead and Missing**

A sudden cascade of water surged through Nepal’s remote western districts of Dailekh, Jajarkot and Surkhet on Tuesday, triggered by unprecedented monsoon rains and the breach of a glacial lake. Government officials confirmed at least **157 deaths** and **hundreds of people still unaccounted for**, while the **Times of India** reported a total death toll of **160** and noted that **133 Indians** are among the **844 missing**. Survivors described scenes of devastation, with one worker clinging to a mango tree as a wall of water swept over his village, a stark illustration of the speed and force of the deluge.

Satellite imagery examined by NDTV has identified a **glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF)** as a likely catalyst, exacerbated by decades of climate‑driven glacial melt and unusually intense monsoon precipitation. The sudden release of meltwater overwhelmed natural drainage systems and triggered massive landslides that further obstructed river channels, creating a cascading effect of flash floods that swept across valleys and settlements. Experts warn that similar events could become more frequent as warming temperatures destabilize high‑altitude glaciers throughout the Himalayas.

In the aftermath, India has mobilized its disaster‑relief apparatus, dispatching the **first tranche of relief materials** including food rations, temporary shelters, and medical supplies to the affected border districts. Bilateral coordination teams are working with Nepalese authorities to locate missing persons, clear debris, and restore critical infrastructure such as roads and bridges. International aid agencies have also pledged assistance, while Nepal’s government has appealed for a comprehensive assessment of glacial lake risks to prevent future catastrophes.