Nepal floods: Amit Shah speaks to UP, Bihar CMs; NDRF on high alert in border areas
New Delhi, Aug 26 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday spoke to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary over steps being taken in border areas of the states, in the wake of the devastating flash floods in Nepal.
He also stated that apart from the local administration, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been placed on high alert in border areas where the “impact of the tragedy may be felt”.
In a post on X, Home Minister Shah expressed his condolence for the lives lost in the tragedy.
“The devastation caused by the floods in Nepal is extremely heartbreaking. My condolences are with those families who have lost their loved ones in this disaster,” he said.
Further, HM Shah mentioned: “In this hour of crisis, the Government of India stands with Nepal.”
This came hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with his Nepali counterpart Balendra Shah and offered condolences on the loss of lives due to the flash floods in the Himalayan nation, while also expressing India’s readiness to provide all possible humanitarian assistance to Nepal.
Moreover, Amit Shah said: “I have spoken with the Chief Ministers of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh regarding this disaster in Nepal. The NDRF has also been placed on high alert along with the local administrations and relief-rescue teams in the border areas where its impact may be felt.”
Several people are feared dead, and hundreds remain missing following the massive flash floods in the Bhote Koshi River that hit Nepal’s Rasuwa region on Wednesday.
Earlier, PM Modi posted on X: “India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance to Nepal. Our teams are coordinating closely on rescue and relief efforts.”
More than 100 Indians are among 384 tourists reported missing in Nepal following the flash floods on Wednesday morning, according to a preliminary situation update issued by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).
The tourism board said the 384 missing tourists include 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali citizens. The foreign nationals are from several countries, including 105 from India, and others from the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, Malaysia, South Africa, and the Netherlands.
However, the NTB clarified that the figures are preliminary and are currently being verified and cross-checked with travel agencies, local authorities and other concerned agencies.
–IANS
cg/vd
