New Delhi [India], August 26 (ANI): President Droupadi Murmu has extended her deepest sympathies to Nepal President Ramchandra Paudel and the people of Nepal following the severe devastation caused by flash floods and reaffirmed India’s unwavering support for its neighboring country.
Reiterating India’s commitment to Nepal, President Murmu emphasized that India stands firmly in solidarity with the country during this critical hour. She further affirmed that India is fully prepared to support the Government of Nepal in its ongoing rescue and relief operations for those affected by the calamity.
In a post on X, the President wrote, “I convey my deepest sympathies to Rt Hon President Mr. Ramchandra Paudel @OOP_Nepal and the people of Nepal on the devastation caused by the flash floods today. We express our solidarity with Nepal at this difficult hour. India stands ready to support the relief and rescue efforts of the Government of Nepal for those affected by this calamity.”
Earlier, expressing profound sorrow over the tragic loss of life and property caused by the sudden flash flood along the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa and Nuwakot, Nepal President Ramchandra Paudel appealed for a unified national response.
In a post on X addressing the crisis, Paudel emphasized the gravity of the disaster, noting that the widespread destruction had left a deep sense of sadness.
Stressing the need for immediate, collective action, the President called upon the government, political parties, social organizations, security forces and the general public to intensify rescue and relief operations without delay.
“The news of the loss of lives and property caused by the sudden flood in the Bhote Koshi River flowing through Rasuwa and Nuwakot has left me extremely saddened. In this hour of crisis, I call upon the government, political parties, social organizations, all agencies including security forces, and the general public to intensify rescue and relief efforts,” the President wrote in a post on X.
He further urged authorities and residents in downstream areas to remain highly vigilant, exercise extreme caution and closely coordinate with response agencies to mitigate further risks.
“Moreover, I urge everyone to remain vigilant and actively engage in necessary coordination and cooperation in the lower coastal areas,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Government of Nepal has officially declared local levels across disaster-affected districts as crisis-hit zones for a period of three months under Section 32 of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, 2074.
The decision was finalized during a Council of Ministers meeting following the devastating flash flood that surged through the Bhotekoshi River from the Tibetan border area of Rasuwagadhi.
In a post on X, Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) stated that the Cabinet had announced emergency rescue measures, free medical treatment for the injured and immediate financial relief for grieving families after preliminary data confirmed that 384 travelers, including 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepalis, remain missing.
Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of life and property, the government extended heartfelt tributes to the deceased and offered condolences to the bereaved families. To manage the ongoing crisis, the Cabinet has mandated comprehensive relief and recovery measures.
Authorities have ordered immediate, free medical treatment for all injured individuals at government hospitals, with support from security forces. Emergency rescue operations have also been significantly expanded, with military and private-sector helicopters being deployed to evacuate stranded victims from areas cut off by the floods.
Safe housing, food and basic provisions are being established for displaced residents under coordinated district and national disaster management frameworks.
At the same time, infrastructure recovery teams are working to clear blocked roads, restore disrupted drinking water systems, reinstate power lines and restore telecommunications networks.
Financial compensation is being rapidly disbursed to the families of those killed, while dedicated resource mobilization has been prioritized for public reconstruction.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah and conveyed condolences over the loss of lives caused by the floods in the Himalayan nation. He said India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance.
Modi said India stands firmly in solidarity with its “sisters and brothers in Nepal” during this difficult time. He also said teams from both countries are coordinating closely on rescue and relief efforts.
“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,” Modi said in a post on X.
The Embassy of India in Kathmandu has stepped up coordination with Nepali authorities and activated dedicated emergency helplines for families seeking information about affected Indian nationals. Similarly, the Nepal Tourism Board has urged public vigilance and issued emergency contact numbers.
“For assistance and information related to Indian nationals that have been affected by the flash floods in Nepal today, the following emergency numbers may be contacted: +977 985 131 6807 +977 970 910 7500,” the Embassy wrote.
Search-and-rescue operations are continuing around the clock, with the Nepali Army extensively deployed to assist stranded victims as authorities monitor downstream high-alert zones across Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan. (ANI)
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