India has stepped up its relief efforts for Nepal after devastating flash floods caused widespread destruction and left hundreds of people dead or missing.
The Embassy of India in Nepal has handed over 10 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Nepalese authorities to support rescue and relief operations in the flood-hit areas.
Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava handed over the relief material to Nepal’s Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Khadka Raj Poudel. The assistance is aimed at helping communities affected by the disaster.
157 People Confirmed Dead in Nepal Floods
The latest reports put the death toll from the disaster at 157, while nearly 400 people remain unaccounted for.
Among those reported missing are foreign nationals and security personnel. Nepal’s Tourism Board has said that around 105 Indians are among the foreign nationals reported missing following the flash flood in the Bhote Koshi River area of Rasuwa.
The figures are based on preliminary information collected from tourism and travel agencies, and authorities are continuing to verify the numbers.
What Caused the Sudden Flood?
The disaster struck the Bhote Koshi River region near Nepal’s border with China on Wednesday.
According to preliminary assessments, an avalanche blocked the flow of the Lhende tributary, resulting in a sudden build-up of water and debris. The surge then moved towards areas including Timure and Syaphrubesi.
The sudden nature of the disaster left residents with little time to respond. Reports indicate that there was no significant rainfall in the immediate area when the flood struck.
Massive Damage Across Flood-Hit Areas
The flash flood has caused extensive damage to roads, bridges, houses and other infrastructure across several districts.
A preliminary assessment has reported damage to nine hydropower projects, 19 motorable bridges and around 40 kilometres of highway.
Several commercial bank branches have also been affected, while communities in remote areas continue to face difficulties accessing essential services because roads and bridges have been damaged.
India Steps Up Rescue and Relief Support
India’s humanitarian assistance comes as Nepal continues large-scale search and rescue operations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah and expressed condolences over the loss of lives.
“Spoke to Prime Minister Balendra Shah and conveyed condolences on the loss of lives due to the floods in Nepal. The people of India stand in solidarity with their sisters and brothers in Nepal at this difficult time. India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance to Nepal. Our teams are coordinating closely on rescue and relief efforts,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also confirmed that India’s humanitarian and medical assistance had reached Kathmandu.
“India’s HADR and medical assistance has reached Kathmandu. More assistance is being mobilised to support relief efforts,” Jaishankar said.
Rescue Operations Continue
Nepalese authorities are continuing search and rescue operations in areas badly affected by the flash flood. Security forces and emergency teams are working to reach isolated communities and locate people who remain missing.
The delivery of 10 tonnes of humanitarian supplies is expected to provide additional support to Nepal’s ongoing relief operations as authorities assess the full extent of the destruction.
With hundreds still missing and several areas difficult to access, rescue teams are continuing their efforts to locate survivors and provide assistance to those affected by the disaster.
