Nepal Floods: Kushinagar Villagers Risk Lives To Retrieve Gas Cylinders, Timber and Fish From Gandak River (Video)

Large fish, gas cylinders and other debris have been found floating in and around the Gandak (Narayani) river near Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh, after devastating floods in Nepal's Rasuwa district caused the river's water level to rise sharply. Drums, gas cylinders, valuable timber and large fish were swept downstream from Nepal into the river, drawing crowds of villagers eager to collect the goods, even as authorities continue to monitor the flood situation along the India-Nepal border.

Villagers Rush To Catch Fish And Debris

After the river's discharge decreased on Thursday, the swept-in items and fish began floating to the surface, triggering a rush among people from villages settled on this side of the Chhitauni embankment to grab them. Two youths from Hanumanganj Mandir Tola waded into the river and caught a nearly 50-kilogram Gosta (marine) fish. As the two carried the massive fish home on their shoulders, a crowd gathered to see it. Nepal Flash Floods: Death Toll Reaches 392; 290 Indians Untraceable.

In the same manner, villagers also caught gas cylinders, drums and valuable timber that had drifted in with the floodwaters, leaving many with a good haul of goods.

Risk Of Accidents As People Enter Fast-Flowing Water

People are entering the Bari Gandak river at the risk of their lives to grab the swept-in items. The rush to catch gas cylinders, timber and other goods amid the strong current could lead to a major accident at any time. Locals say the administration should immediately step in and stop people from entering the river to avoid any untoward incident. Tragedy in Nepal: How Do Flash Floods Happen?

No Immediate Flood Threat To Kushinagar, Say Officials

While floodwater has not reached Kushinagar, authorities are keeping a close watch on the Gandak and Narayani rivers and maintaining round-the-clock monitoring in Uttar Pradesh's border districts. The state government says there is currently no immediate flood threat, with around 100,000 cusecs of water flowing from the Valmiki Barrage. Officials say the situation is being monitored closely as floodwaters move downstream from Nepal.

Nepal Continues To Face Devastating Flood Disaster

Meanwhile, Nepal continues to face a devastating flood disaster, with extensive damage to homes, roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure. According to Nepal Embassy sources cited by ANI, 175 bodies have been recovered, while hundreds of people from multiple countries remain missing as rescue operations continue.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 28, 2026 01:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).