Kathmandu: Demonstrating unflagging solidarity during the time of crisis following catastrophic flash floods, the Embassy of India in Nepal has stepped forward with crucial backing, underscoring its deep-rooted partnership with the Himalayan nation.
Emphasising its steadfast commitment to the Himalayan nation amid a catastrophic natural calamity, the Embassy of India in Nepal announced vital support, posting on X, “Always with Nepal. Ambassador Naveen Srivastava handed over 10 tons of humanitarian aid materials from India to the Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mr Khadka Raj Poudel. This assistance will contribute to the relief efforts following the devastating floods. India stands firmly with Nepal and is committed to providing all possible support”.
The immediate diplomatic response follows the disaster that struck Nepal’s Bhotekoshi River region on August 27, Wednesday, triggering one of the deadliest events in the country’s modern history. The disaster was triggered when an avalanche blocked the flow of the Lhende tributary of the Bhotekoshi, striking Timure near the China border at Rasuwagadhi and sending a violent surge downstream towards Syaphrubesi without warning. With no rainfall reported in the area, residents had no warning before the flood struck.
Furthermore, according to Nepal’s Tourism Board, around 105 Indians were among the foreign nationals “reported missing” after a flash flood in the Bhote Koshi River in the Rasuwa area of the country, stating that the information is based on preliminary agency-wise records received from tourism and travel companies.
Following the tragic developments in the Himalayan country, at the highest political levels, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah and conveyed condolences over the loss of lives due to floods in the Himalayan nation. He said India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance, stating that India stands firmly in solidarity with “sisters and brothers in Nepal” during this difficult time and noted that teams from both countries are coordinating closely in the rescue and relief efforts.
Building on these ongoing relief efforts, India has also begun mobilising humanitarian assistance for Nepal. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, in a post on X, said, “India’s HADR and medical assistance has reached Kathmandu. More assistance is being mobilised to support relief efforts”.
Also, EAM updated that second flight took off, carrying 37.5 tonnes of HADR material, medicines & food packets for Nepal. “India remains in close and continuous touch with the Nepalese authorities. We will continue to strongly support the ongoing relief efforts”, EAM Jaishankar reiterated.
Prior to this, as a maiden and swift step India immediately dispatched, 10 tonnes of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) along with essential medicines to support Nepal. In a post on X, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said that India stands with Nepal and its people in meeting the challenge.
The C130J deployed by the Indian Air Force for the relief efforts carried 10 tons of relief material to Nepal. This includes emergency items such as temporary shelters, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps and medicines.
The Embassy of India in Beijing said in a post on X that it is in close touch with local authorities to assist affected Indian nationals, releasing ground contact points alongside helpline channels via the embassies in Beijing and Kathmandu. “In view of the recent flash-flood in the border areas in the Tibet Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China, Indian nationals stranded in the vicinity can seek assistance from the following contact points”, Indian Embassy wrote:
i) Chinese officials on the ground: 0086 139 8999 0012
ii) Embassy of India, Beijing: 0086 185 1428 4905 (can also contacted through WhatsApp)
iii) Embassy of India, Kathmandu: +977 985 131 6807, +977 970 910 7500 (Both numbers can also be contacted through WhatsApp)
Expressing deep concern Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh stated that India is closely coordinating with the Government of Nepal to locate and rescue missing Indian nationals.
Speaking to ANI, MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh said, “We are receiving reports of sudden river flooding in Nepal; many lives have been lost and numerous people are missing. Among the missing are approximately 130 to 133 individuals from India with whom contact has been lost”.
“Our national relief teams are on the ground, actively engaged in search and rescue operations. We are making every possible effort, in collaboration with the Government of Nepal, to locate as many people as possible, bring them to safety, and rescue them from danger”, the Minister added.
Highlighting India’s proactive diplomatic and humanitarian response, the Minister added, “Aid has already begun to reach the affected areas. As I have mentioned, whenever such incidents have occurred, we have always stepped forward proactively because Nepal is a friendly nation and an integral part of us; there is little difference between our societies and we have always shared a bond akin to that of brothers, an elder and younger sibling relationship, which remains intact today. It is our responsibility to ensure that all necessary aid continues to be provided from our side”, the Minister affirmed.
(With Inputs from ANI)
