Nepal floods: PM Modi speaks to Balen Shah, offers support

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed condolences over the loss of lives in devastating floods in Nepal and offered India’s assistance for rescue and relief efforts.“Spoke to Prime Minister Balendra Shah and conveyed condolences on the loss of lives due to the floods in Nepal,” PM Modi wrote on X. “The people of India stand in solidarity with their sisters and brothers in Nepal at this difficult time.”PM Modi added that India was prepared to support Nepal as the country dealt with the disaster. “India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance to Nepal. Our teams are coordinating closely on rescue and relief efforts,” he said.The floods swept through northern Nepal on Wednesday morning after the Bhote Koshi River surged, reportedly from the direction of Tibet. Timure in Rasuwa district and nearby Syafrubesi suffered extensive damage, with vehicles, goods and other property washed away.105 Indians among hundreds missing after deadly flash floodFloods battered Nepal on Wednesday after a sudden flash flood swept through Rasuwa district near the Tibet border, leaving at least eight people dead and hundreds missing, including 105 Indians.The Bhote Koshi River surged through the Rasuwagadhi-Timure area at around 9am, affecting parts of Rasuwa as well as neighbouring Nuwakot and Dhading districts. Vehicles, bridges, goods and other infrastructure were washed away, while several hydropower projects were damaged.According to a preliminary list compiled by the Nepal Tourism Board, 384 travellers, including 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepalis, were reported missing. The list includes 105 Indians and travellers from countries including Australia, the US, UK, Malaysia, the Netherlands and South Africa. Authorities said the figures were still being verified.Many of those missing are believed to be pilgrims travelling to Tibet for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. “Except for a few, we have not been able to establish contact with the pilgrims as of 3pm,” Bashu Kumar Adhikari of Touch Kailash Travels & Tours said, according to The Kathmandu Post.More than 25 people had been rescued by Wednesday afternoon. The Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police launched search operations, using helicopters, drones and sniffer dogs.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.