Flash flood sweeps devotees at Shravasti ashram, two reportedly missing

A sudden flash flood in a mountain stream near an ashram in Shravasti left several devotees battling for their lives as they were caught in the powerful current. The incident occurred at the popular Sonpathri Ashram in the Sirsia area, where pilgrims had gathered to bathe in the stream when the water level rose abruptly following heavy rainfall in the Nepal region.

Viral videos of the terrifying incident show people desperately clinging to tree roots and branches as the gushing water swept through the stream. Some devotees were reportedly taking selfies near the hillside stream when the sudden surge caught them off guard. The footage reveals the chaotic scene as bystanders scrambled to help, calling for ropes and attempting rescue operations amid the panic.

According to reports circulating on social media, two people including a girl were swept away by the strong current, though district authorities have not issued any official confirmation of casualties or missing persons so far. The incident has raised concerns about the unpredictability of mountain streams during monsoon season, particularly those fed by rainfall in upstream areas across the Nepal border.

The Sonpathri Ashram attracts a steady stream of devotees throughout the year, and the hillside stream is a popular spot for ritual bathing. Local sources suggest that the water level can rise dramatically within minutes when heavy rain occurs in catchment areas, giving little warning to those near the water. The lack of immediate alert systems for such flash floods has highlighted the vulnerability of pilgrims visiting these natural water bodies during the monsoon months. Authorities are expected to investigate the incident and assess whether additional safety measures are needed at the site.