Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday spoke to Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah and assured India’s full support as devastating flash floods struck Nepal, leaving at least eight people dead and 105 Indians reportedly missing.
Modi expressed condolences over the loss of lives and said India stands in solidarity with the people of Nepal during the crisis. He also assured Shah that India was ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance.
“Spoke to Prime Minister Balendra Shah and conveyed condolences on the loss of lives due to the floods in Nepal,” Modi said in a post. He added that India’s teams were coordinating closely with Nepal on rescue and relief operations.
Flash floods trigger major crisis
The floods were reported amid a sudden surge in the Bhote Koshi River, which originates in Tibet and flows through Nepal’s Rasuwa region. The flash floods have caused significant loss of life and property, with rescue operations underway.
The disaster has also raised concerns over the safety of Indian nationals in Nepal. As many as 105 Indians are reportedly missing, prompting Indian authorities to step up efforts to trace them and provide assistance to affected families.
The Embassy of India in Kathmandu has issued emergency helpline numbers for Indian nationals affected by the floods.
Emergency helplines:
+977 985 131 6807
+977 970 910 7500
Kharge urges Centre to trace missing Indians
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed deep shock over the devastation and extended condolences to the families who lost loved ones.
Kharge said the reports of more than 100 Indians missing were a matter of serious concern. He urged the Centre to take immediate steps to locate the missing citizens, ensure their safety and provide assistance to their families.
He also called for India to extend all possible humanitarian support to Nepal during the emergency.
Uttarakhand CM expresses concern
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami described the loss of life and property in Nepal as “heartbreaking and alarming”.
Reacting to the sudden flooding of the Bhote Koshi River, Dhami expressed sympathy for the affected families and prayed for the safety of those caught in the disaster.
India-Nepal rescue coordination underway
With the situation continuing to develop, Indian authorities are coordinating with Nepalese counterparts on rescue and relief efforts. The immediate priority remains locating missing people, assisting stranded Indian nationals and supporting emergency operations.
The latest developments come as Nepal continues to grapple with the impact of the flash floods, while authorities assess the extent of damage and work to reach affected areas.
