Nepal has praised India’s relief and rescue efforts following the devastating floods that have killed more than 600 people, with Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “exceptionally generous”.
The remarks came as Nepal continues a massive rescue and relief operation after devastating floods swept through parts of the country. The disaster was triggered by an ice-rock avalanche following a glacial collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border, sending huge volumes of water, mud and debris downstream.
The floods caused widespread destruction, washing away homes, vehicles, roads and bridges and damaging hydropower projects. More than 2,400 people were still reported missing, while nearly 2,500 people had been evacuated from affected areas, according to the latest reports.
India Sends Relief Material And Rescue Team
India has stepped up its assistance to Nepal amid the crisis. Since Wednesday, New Delhi has dispatched 57.6 tonnes of relief material to flood-hit areas.
An 11-member Indian team, comprising medical personnel and tunnel rescue experts, has also reached Nepal following a request from Kathmandu. The team is assisting local authorities as rescue operations continue in difficult and damaged terrain.
Nepal is currently handling the crisis in several stages. The immediate priority remains rescuing people who are trapped or stranded, including those inside hydropower projects.
Nepal Army helicopters have already airlifted 1,930 people, while more than 11,000 security personnel, including over 5,000 Nepal Army personnel, have been deployed for search and rescue operations.
PM Modi Praised For India’s Support
Speaking to PTI Videos, Nepal Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle highlighted India’s assistance during the crisis and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Wagle recalled India’s support during Nepal’s devastating 2015 earthquake and said the generosity of the Indian government had been noteworthy even then.
He said New Delhi had also indicated that it would provide generous assistance for reconstruction, signalling that India’s support could continue beyond immediate rescue and relief operations.
Special supplies have already been flown from New Delhi to Nepal following the floods.
Nepal Moves From Rescue To Recovery
While rescue operations remain the immediate focus, Nepal is preparing for the next stages of recovery. Wagle said temporary shelters and cash-for-work programmes would form part of the early recovery phase.
The country will then face the larger challenge of rebuilding infrastructure damaged by the floods, including roads, bridges and hydropower facilities.
Relief supplies are also being airlifted to areas such as Dhunche, Rasuwa and Syaphru Besi, which were cut off after roads were damaged.
Nepal has said it will continue seeking assistance from international partners as the situation develops. Wagle also acknowledged that support had been forthcoming from other neighbouring countries.
As Nepal battles the aftermath of one of its worst recent flood disasters, India’s early relief response and indications of longer-term reconstruction support have emerged as an important part of the country’s recovery efforts
