Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said to Nepalese Prime Minister Balen Shah on Wednesday that India will provide all possible humanitarian assistance following devastating flash floods [1, 2].
The disaster has caused significant loss of life and left hundreds of people missing, necessitating a coordinated international rescue effort to locate survivors in remote regions.
Modi said to Shah to convey condolences regarding the loss of lives [1]. The floods primarily struck the Rasuwa district of Nepal, where rescue operations are currently underway [2, 5].
"We stand in solidarity with the people of Nepal at this difficult time and will provide all possible humanitarian assistance," Modi said [1].
Reports on the death toll vary. One source indicated eight people died [1], while another reported at least 16 fatalities [4]. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said India is preparing to send help to the region [4].
The scale of the missing population is substantial. Some reports indicate nearly 400 persons are missing [3], while other data specifies that 384 tourists are among those unaccounted for [2]. Additionally, at least 105 Indians are reported missing following the floods [3].
To facilitate the relief mission, the Indian Air Force is on standby to deploy assets for search and rescue operations [5]. The coordination between the two governments aims to accelerate the delivery of emergency supplies, and medical aid to the affected areas of Rasuwa.
“"We stand in solidarity with the people of Nepal at this difficult time."”
This rapid pledge of assistance underscores the strategic importance of the India-Nepal relationship, particularly regarding disaster management. The high number of missing Indian nationals and tourists adds an additional layer of urgency for New Delhi to deploy military assets, such as the Air Force, to ensure the safety of its citizens while supporting a neighboring ally.
