The Centre is closely monitoring the situation arising from flash floods in Nepal, with the impact expected to travel downstream into India through the Gandak river, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Wednesday.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with the Chief Ministers of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh to review preparedness and measures in areas along the India-Nepal border that could be affected by the rising water levels.
In a post on X, HM Shah described the devastation caused by the floods in Nepal as “deeply tragic” and expressed condolences to the families who lost loved ones.
He said the Government of India stands with Nepal in the hour of crisis and added that local administrations, rescue teams and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) had been placed on high alert in vulnerable border areas.
According to an advisory issued by the Central Water Commission (CWC), a sudden rise in the water level of the Trishuli river at Furke Khola in Nepal, around 160 km from the Indian border, has been reported. The rise is suspected to have been caused by flash flood or glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) activity near the Nepal-China border.
The CWC has warned that the floodwaters could travel downstream through the Gandak river and affect areas in India.
Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have taken precautionary measures, including evacuation and other assistance for local communities living near the India-Nepal border. Both states have been advised to remain on alert and maintain close monitoring of the situation.
Officials from MHA, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Ministry of Jal Shakti and Ministry of Defence (MoD) are continuously monitoring developments.
The CWC said water levels in reservoirs on the Nepal side were declining and that the situation was currently under control. The government also said there was no need for panic at this stage.
Meanwhile, reports have emerged of Indian tourists missing in Nepal following the flash floods. The Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu have issued emergency helpline numbers for Indian nationals affected by the disaster or requiring assistance.
Indian nationals in need of assistance can contact the Indian Embassy at +977 985 131 6807 and +977 970 910 7500.
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