India issues flood alert as over 130 citizens missing in Nepal deluge
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Army officers conducting a helicopter rescue of survivors following a flash flood in Trishuli Bazar, Nuwakot district in Nepal.
PHOTO: EPA
- India has issued flood alerts in two northern states as floodwaters from Nepal approach the border, threatening downstream communities.
- At least 133 Indian tourists are missing after flash floods in Nepal, many pilgrims heading to Mount Kailash.
- India is conducting rescue operations and sending relief supplies, with Prime Minister Modi offering humanitarian aid to Nepal.
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NEW DELHI – India put parts of two of its northern states on high alert as floodwaters from neighbouring Nepal headed towards the border, while at least 133 citizens were among tourists missing after catastrophic flash floods swept through the Himalayan nation.
The missing Indians were the largest group of foreign tourists affected, according to Nepalese tourism officials, with many of them pilgrims travelling toward Mount Kailash in Tibet, a sacred site for Hindus.
India hasn’t put a number on the missing yet.
The disaster is also threatening communities downstream in India.
The country’s Central Water Commission warned a sudden rise in Nepal’s Trishuli river, about 160km from the Indian border, could travel downstream into the Gandak, a major river that crosses into India and runs through the densely populated state of Bihar before joining the Ganges.
“State government of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have taken measures such as required evacuation and other support to local Indian communities near the India–Nepal border,” according to a statement.
“Both states have been advised to remain alert and maintain close monitoring of the situation.”
The two states together are home to more than 300 million people.
“No panic-like situation has arisen,” it added.
The floods have also prompted a rescue and diplomatic effort by New Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah and offered humanitarian assistance.
The Indian Air Force said in an X post it has deployed a C-130J aircraft carrying 10 tonnes of essential relief materials and medical supplies.
Additional aircraft will transport further relief supplies, with helicopters earmarked for rescue and evacuation operations. BLOOMBERG
