PM Modi speaks to Nepal's Balen Shah over deadly floods, assures ‘all possible humanitarian assistance’

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to his Nepalese counterpart Balen Shah following a deadly flash flood that ravaged Nepal. Modi expressed condolences over the loss of lives caused by the floods and assured India's solidarity with Nepal during this challenging time. He added that India is coordinating closely on rescue and relief efforts.

At least eight people lost their lives, though more casualties are feared. Across the border in Tibet, major casualties were reported, with some missing in the Gyirong county after a mudslide hit a land crossing between China and Nepal. Over 380 tourists, mostly foreigners, went missing in Nepal after the massive flood swept through the border region with Tibet.

The Nepal Tourism Board identified 384 travelers, including 291 foreign nationals and 93 Nepali nationals, reported missing from the affected areas. At least 105 Indians and 37 NRIs are among the missing persons, most of whom were headed for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra in Tibet. The flood struck the Bhote Koshi River around 9 am local time, originating from the Tibet side and affecting Rasuwa and Dhading districts bordering Tibet, as well as Nuwakot district southwest of Kathmandu.