News

Nepal is facing one of its worst natural disasters in recent years after devastating flash floods swept through areas along the Bhote Koshi river near the Nepal-China border on August 26, killing hundreds of people and leaving hundreds more missing. The disaster, which also affected Tibet, was triggered after a high-altitude glacier near the border sheared away and plunged into the Lhende Khola river catchment, setting off a chain reaction involving ice, rock, snow and sediment. The resulting torrent tore through communities, infrastructure and river corridors before moving downstream into Nepal.<br /><br />The scale of the destruction has continued to emerge as rescue teams search through mud and debris across several districts. The confirmed death toll in Nepal had risen to 389 by early Friday, while almost 1,000 people remained missing across Nepal and neighbouring Tibet. More than 540 foreigners were among those reported missing. However, casualty and missing-person figures have varied as authorities continue to verify information and coordinate rescue operations across difficult terrain.<br /><br />Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitwan, Gorkha and Nawalparasi are among the areas badly affected. Roads and bridges have been destroyed, buildings swept away and hydropower facilities damaged. The devastation has severely disrupted the route connecting Kathmandu with Lhasa and affected areas popular with trekkers, tourists and pilgrims.<br /><br />One of the most significant concerns is the continuing threat from water and debris accumulated in the river system. Nepalese authorities have warned that a debris blockage has created a lake along the Bhotekoshi river, raising concerns about a possible secondary flood if the barrier gives way. China has separately warned of the risk posed by a barrier lake in Tibet, with officials expecting additional water to enter the already blocked system over the coming days.<br /><br />The disaster has also triggered a major international rescue effort, particularly because large numbers of foreign nationals were travelling through the affected region. Indian nationals form one of the largest groups among those reported missing. Nepal Police had reported 178 Indians among 644 missing people at one stage, while India's Ministry of External Affairs said several groups of Indian tourists, pilgrims and workers were stranded in different locations.<br /><br />India has activated a round-the-clock control room in New Delhi and emergency helplines through its missions in Kathmandu and Beijing. The MEA has been coordinating with Nepalese and Chinese authorities to locate and evacuate Indian nationals. Sixty-three Indian nationals from the Trishuli-I hydropower project were among those rescued, while 21 Tamil Nadu pilgrims travelling for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra were also reported rescued.<br /><br />Rescue operations in Nepal have been mounted on a large scale. More than 13,000 security personnel from the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police have been mobilised. Helicopters have been used to evacuate stranded people and deliver food, medicines and other relief material. Private helicopters have also been deployed, with dozens of charter flights carrying supplies to affected areas.<br /><br />Prime Minister Balendra Shah visited flood-hit Nuwakot to assess the damage and review search and rescue operations. He said state agencies were operating at full capacity, with saving lives, locating missing people, treating the injured and providing immediate relief identified as the government's priorities.<br />

A marriage can pass through a summer where the person you chose feels like your greatest mistake. But the very heat that threatens to destroy love, can be the making of it

Nepal's Bhote Koshi-Trishuli disaster death toll reached 675, with 2,426 people still missing. Rescuers searched mud-filled valleys and tunnels three days after the catastrophic flood occurred. Chinese authorities reported seven deaths and 554 missing at Gyirong port across the border. Indian nationals unaccounted for in Nepal were revised down to 287. India sent relief and worked to bring back citizens stranded on the Chinese side.

Moin Khan urges authorities to honour Imran Khan's right to medical care. He also asked fellow cricketers to voice their support for the former leader. International captains have also called for adequate healthcare and constitutional safeguards. Greg Chappell described Imran Khan's condition as worrying and difficult to ascertain. The Pakistan Cricket Board lodged a complaint after an interview with Imran Khan's sons aired.

On his diplomatic mission to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, Prime Minister Modi aims to bolster India's regional aspirations and forge stronger ties. At the SCO summit, he will advocate for collective efforts against terrorism and initiate dialogue on trade and strategic collaboration. This trip underscores India’s dedication to nurturing historical connections and fostering prosperity for all involved nations.

Highly trained mountain guides and Everest veterans joined flood rescue efforts in Nepal's Rasuwa district. Specialist teams used expedition skills to access disaster zones where roads had disappeared. Rescuers entered a mud-choked hydropower tunnel, pushing approximately 120 meters inside. They recovered a camera bag and determined excavation equipment was needed for deeper access. The rescue operations aimed to locate workers trapped in multiple hydropower tunnel systems.

Toxic recorded a decline in its India net collection on Saturday. The film earned an estimated Rs 24.50 crore net in India on Day 4. Its total India net collection has now reached Rs 190.45 crore. Worldwide gross collection for Toxic has reached Rs 254.75 crore. The Hindi version emerged as the biggest contributor on Saturday.

Discover verified luxury & premium homes across India. Explore expert-curated listings backed by the Times of India Group. Enquire now.

BJP and Congress clashed over allegations of rally venue purification. Rahul Gandhi demanded an FIR, linking it to untouchability practices. BJP rebutted charges, showing organizers' videos and questioning the delay. Organizers stated a hawan followed cleaning for Ramlila, denying BJP links. Both parties exchanged accusations regarding caste divisions and past incidents.

India's cumulative monsoon rainfall deficit remains despite August's better-than-expected rains. This deficit has caused a significant acreage gap in kharif crop sowing. Paddy and maize acreage have both reported notable declines compared to last year. Erratic rainfall distribution prevented increased acreage for most kharif crops. Several states, including Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, face substantial rainfall deficits.

Sally Kellerman’s adopted daughter Claire Kellerman is embroiled in a legal dispute on Scotland’s Great Bernera over her Australian cattle dog, which she says is an assistance animal. She has sued a community-run cafe under the Equality Act, while local groups face mounting legal bills. Kellerman calls the backlash a “witch hunt” and insists, “I’m not going anywhere.”