New Delhi: In the wake of massive destruction caused by catastrophic flash floods in Nepal, India has launched an extensive humanitarian mission to assist its neighbor. On Wednesday, an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft departed for Kathmandu carrying 10 tonnes of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) material and essential medicines, while the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been put on high alert along the Indian border.
According to the Nepal Tourism Board, the sudden floods in the Bhote Koshi river have left approximately 400 people missing, including 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepalese citizens. Official reports confirm that at least 105 Indian tourists and 37 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are among the missing. Search and rescue operations are currently underway on a war footing, with the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police deploying 14 helicopters, drones, and sniffer dogs to locate stranded individuals.
The disaster has also triggered alarm bells across the border in India. Authorities fear that the massive volume of floodwater flowing downstream will significantly raise the water levels in the Gandak river. Consequently, local administrations in the border districts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have been advised to maintain strict vigilance.
Taking preemptive action, the NDRF has intensified its deployment across vulnerable regions. Following a situational review by the Bihar Chief Minister, two additional NDRF teams have been dispatched to West Champaran and Muzaffarpur. Currently, nine NDRF teams are stationed across Bihar to handle any emergencies.
Similarly, the Uttar Pradesh government is closely monitoring the escalating situation. An additional NDRF unit has been strategically deployed in Kushinagar district due to its proximity to the Gandak river. In total, 11 NDRF teams are currently active in Uttar Pradesh for flood warning and rescue operations.
The NDRF has stated that it is working in close coordination with the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the respective state governments. Additional rescue teams have been kept on standby to ensure an immediate response should the downstream situation deteriorate further.