Nepal Lauds India’s ‘Exceptionally Generous’ Support Amidst Catastrophic Flood Crisis
KATHMANDU – The government of Nepal has formally expressed its deep appreciation for India’s swift and substantial response to the devastating floods that have claimed more than 600 lives across the Himalayan nation.
As the country grapples with one of its worst natural disasters in recent memory, Nepal’s Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing his administration as “exceptionally generous” in providing critical aid during this time of acute crisis.
A Scene of Devastation
The catastrophe was triggered mid-week by a catastrophic glacial collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border. The resulting ice-rock avalanche unleashed a torrent of water, mud, and debris that swept through central Nepal. The sheer force of the disaster has left a trail of destruction, wiping out entire towns, severing vital road networks, and obliterating bridges and hydropower infrastructure.
Current data indicates that more than 2,400 people remain missing. Meanwhile, relief efforts are struggling against the elements, with intermittent heavy rainfall hampering the progress of rescue teams. Authorities have successfully evacuated nearly 2,500 people, though the situation remains dire in cut-off regions such as Dhunche, Rasuwa, and Syaphru Besi.
India’s Rapid Response
Demonstrating its commitment to regional stability and bilateral cooperation, India moved rapidly to assist. Since Wednesday, New Delhi has airlifted 57.6 tonnes of essential relief supplies to the affected areas. Furthermore, at the request of the Nepalese government, India dispatched an 11-member specialized team comprising medical personnel and tunnel rescue experts to support local search-and-rescue operations.
Minister Wagle highlighted that Nepal is managing the disaster in distinct phases. “The immediate priority is to rescue people who can be saved, including those stranded or trapped in hydropower plants,” he stated, noting that the Nepal Army has already airlifted 1,930 individuals. Over 11,000 security personnel are currently deployed on the ground to facilitate these efforts.
Looking Toward Recovery
As the emergency search-and-rescue mission continues, the focus is beginning to shift toward long-term stabilization. “The next phase will focus on early recovery, including temporary shelters and cash-for-work programmes, followed by the daunting task of reconstruction,” Wagle explained.
Reflecting on the historical bond between the two nations, Minister Wagle drew parallels to the 2015 earthquake, during which India also played a pivotal role in recovery efforts. He noted that India has already indicated it will provide extensive support for the upcoming reconstruction phase.
“The Government of India and Prime Minister Modi have been exceptionally generous. I recall the generosity of the Indian government was really noteworthy,” Wagle said.
As the country navigates the ongoing flood crisis, the support from international partners, particularly its immediate neighbors, remains a cornerstone of Nepal’s strategy for rebuilding the lives and infrastructure destroyed by this natural disaster.
