In Brief:

• Sudden flood entered Bhote Koshi from Tibetan side around 9 am Wednesday
• Timure and Syabrubesi damaged, including Timure Customs Office area
• PM Balendra Shah mobilised Nepal Army, APF and police for rescue
• All helicopters directed to affected areas, private operators on standby
• Residents relocated downstream in Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Chitwan
• Cause under investigation - possible glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF)
• NDRRMA emergency meeting underway; casualties still being assessed

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 26 The government has stepped up a large-scale emergency response to the sudden flood in Rasuwa, mobilising the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police, while helicopters are being deployed for rescue and relief operations. Prime Minister Balendra Shah said additional personnel from other districts had already been moved towards the affected areas, while medical teams, ambulances, Nepal Scouts and the Red Cross were being coordinated for the response. The flood entered the Bhote Koshi River from the Tibetan side around 9:00 am Wednesday, causing damage in Timure and Syabrubesi and affecting the Timure Customs Office area. Authorities are still investigating whether the surge was triggered by a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) or another phenomenon. Shah said all available helicopters had been directed towards the affected areas, with private operators asked to keep aircraft on standby. Some helicopters have already flown to Rasuwa. Authorities instructed chief district officers in downstream areas to immediately relocate residents to safer locations. Alerts are being issued via SMS and telephone calls, while residents along the Trishuli River corridor up to Muglin have been urged to remain on high alert. The flood has raised concerns in Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan, with warnings of possible inundation in parts of Chitwan. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) is holding an emergency meeting under the Home Minister to review rescue and relief operations. A meeting of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, called by Prime Minister Shah, is scheduled for 11 am today at Singha Durbar. Shah urged people in vulnerable areas to remain in safe locations and wait for official rescue updates if they are unable to contact relatives in affected areas. Authorities advised residents to follow local safety instructions and contact 1234, 100 or 1111 for assistance.