PM Narendra Modi speaks to Nepal PM Balen, offers all assistance, India airlifts relief material

Shah, in his response, said: “Thank you very much… for your kind call and deep condolences. We deeply appreciate your warm words of solidarity and your generous offer of assistance to Nepal during this difficult time. This gesture of solidarity is a reflection of the enduring bonds of friendship between our two countries, which we profoundly value.”

In a post on X later in the day, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said: “Dispatched 10 tonnes of HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) assistance and essential medicines to support Nepal’s response to the devastating floods. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families and all those affected. In the face of this challenge, India stands with Nepal and its people.”

Sources said the IAF’s C-130J is carrying 10 tonnes of relief material, including temporary shelters, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps and medicines.

Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal said: “Thank you… for the generous humanitarian aid and critical medical supplies extended to support our flood relief operations. India’s swift response reflects the strength of our bilateral partnership and mutual solidarity in this difficult hour.”

While over 100 Indians have been reported missing, sources said that besides tourists/ pilgrims, these included several people working at the Trishuli hydropower project.

The Indian Embassy in Nepal said it “remained engaged with the relevant authorities of the Government of Nepal for early rescue and relief for Indian nationals affected by the flash floods… Rescue and relief efforts continue to be strengthened in coordination with the Government of Nepal”.

In a post on X, it also put out helpline numbers for assistance and information related to the Indian nationals: 977 985 131 6807 and 977 970 910 7500.

The Nepal Tourism Board also put out helpline numbers, including a toll-free emergency number 1234, hotline 1144, and tourist police 9851289445.

The Indian Embassy in Beijing also put out a post on X: “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: i) Chinese officials on the ground: 0086 139 8999 0012; ii) Embassy of India, Beijing: 0086 185 1428 4905 (can also be contacted through WhatsApp); iii) Embassy of India, Kathmandu: +977 985 131 6807, +977 970 910 7500 (Both numbers can also be contacted through WhatsApp)”.

“The Embassy in Beijing is in close touch with local authorities to assist affected Indian nationals. Please follow all official advisories issued by local authorities,” it said.

Meanwhile, flood alerts have been issued in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, which border Nepal. Additional National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been sent to both the states, with the swelling waters expected to flow downstream into the Gandak river.

The NDRF has advised local authorities in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, particularly in areas along the India-Nepal border and the Gandak river, to remain alert and monitor the situation.

While two NDRF teams have been sent to Bihar for deployment in West Champaran and Muzaffarpur, an additional NDRF team has been deployed in Kushinagar, a district considered vulnerable because of its proximity to the Gandak river.

With this, a total of nine NDRF teams are currently positioned in Bihar, while 11 NDRF teams are deployed in Uttar Pradesh. Additional teams have also been kept on standby.

According to an advisory issued by the NDRF, a rise in water level was recorded at Furke Khola in Nepal, around 160 km from the Indian border.

With inputs from Divya A