India Extends Solidarity as Devastating Flash Floods Leave Hundreds Missing in Nepal

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached out to Nepali leadership to express his profound condolences and offer urgent humanitarian aid following a catastrophic flash flood that has left hundreds missing, including a significant number of Indian citizens.

The disaster struck on Wednesday morning when the Bhote Koshi River surged violently, reportedly originating from the direction of Tibet. The torrent swept through the Rasuwagadhi-Timure area in Nepal’s Rasuwa district, causing widespread destruction. Infrastructure, including vehicles, bridges, and multiple hydropower projects, was decimated as the floodwaters ravaged areas stretching into the neighboring Nuwakot and Dhading districts.

PM Modi Pledges Support

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi confirmed he had spoken with Nepali officials to convey his sympathies. “The people of India stand in solidarity with their sisters and brothers in Nepal at this difficult time,” he stated, adding that India is prepared to provide all necessary support to bolster local disaster response teams.

“India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance to Nepal. Our teams are coordinating closely on rescue and relief efforts,” the Prime Minister affirmed.

Fears Mount for Missing Pilgrims

The scale of the tragedy is becoming increasingly clear as authorities scramble to account for those in the path of the flood. According to a preliminary list compiled by the Nepal Tourism Board, 384 individuals are currently reported missing, including 93 Nepalis and 291 foreign nationals.

Among the missing are 105 Indian citizens, many of whom are believed to be pilgrims traveling to Tibet for the sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Communication with these groups remains severely hampered. “Except for a few, we have not been able to establish contact with the pilgrims as of 3 p.m.,” said Bashu Kumar Adhikari of Touch Kailash Travels & Tours.

While the exact toll is being verified, at least eight fatalities have been confirmed thus far.

Intensive Rescue Operations Underway

A massive search and rescue operation is currently underway, led by the Nepal Army, the Armed Police Force, and local police. Rescue teams are employing a multi-pronged approach, utilizing helicopters, drones, and canine units to navigate the debris-strewn landscape. By Wednesday afternoon, authorities reported that more than 25 people had been successfully rescued.

The international community continues to monitor the situation, as the list of missing individuals includes travelers from Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and South Africa.

As the recovery efforts continue in the wake of these Nepal floods, the focus remains on locating survivors and stabilizing the affected regions.