New Delhi, August 27: The Centre has stepped up preparedness along parts of the Bihar and Uttar Pradesh borders after devastating flash floods in Nepal, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaking to the two state chief ministers and directing heightened vigilance in areas that could feel the impact of the disaster. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local administrations and rescue teams have been placed on high alert in vulnerable border areas.
Shah spoke with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Wednesday to review measures being taken in response to the situation in Nepal. He also expressed condolences to families who lost their relatives in the disaster and said the Government of India stood with Nepal during the crisis.
The Centre’s response followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s conversation with Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah earlier on Wednesday. Modi conveyed condolences over the loss of lives and said India was prepared to extend all possible humanitarian assistance to Nepal. He also said Indian teams were coordinating with Nepal on rescue and relief efforts.
The flash floods struck the Bhote Koshi River in Nepal’s Rasuwa region, with several people feared dead and hundreds reported missing. The disaster has also raised concerns over the safety of Indian nationals and other foreign visitors in the affected areas.
A preliminary situation update from the Nepal Tourism Board said 384 tourists were reported missing following the floods. The figure included 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali citizens. Among the foreign nationals, 105 were Indians, while others were from the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, Malaysia, South Africa and the Netherlands.
The tourism board cautioned that the figures remained preliminary and were being verified. It said authorities were cross-checking the information with travel agencies, local authorities and other agencies involved in the response.
The reported presence of more than 100 Indians among the missing has added urgency to efforts to establish the whereabouts of those caught in the disaster. India’s response has therefore focused both on preparedness in potentially affected border areas and coordination with Nepal on rescue and relief operations.
Shah said the NDRF had been placed on high alert alongside local administrations and relief and rescue teams in border areas where the consequences of the Nepal disaster could be felt. The move is intended to ensure that response resources remain ready as authorities monitor the situation.
The flash floods have triggered a wider humanitarian response as Nepal works to locate missing people and assess the consequences of the disaster. India has conveyed its readiness to assist its neighbouring country while maintaining vigilance in states bordering Nepal.
