Centre closely monitors Nepal flash flood situation; Bihar, UP on alert
New Delhi, Aug 26 (TNT): The Centre is closely monitoring the situation arising from flash floods in Nepal, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaking to the Chief Ministers of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and directing authorities in vulnerable areas along the India-Nepal border to remain on high alert.
In a post on ‘X’, Shah expressed grief over the loss of lives in Nepal and said the Government of India stood with the country in the hour of crisis.
He said local administrations, rescue teams and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) had been placed on high alert in areas likely to be affected.
According to 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 following suspected flash flood/GLOF activity near the Nepal-China border.
The impact of the flood is likely to travel downstream through the Gandak river in India, the CWC said.
Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have taken measures, including evacuation and other assistance, for communities in vulnerable areas along the India-Nepal border. Both states have been advised to remain alert and closely monitor the situation.
Officials of the Ministries of Home Affairs, External Affairs, Jal Shakti and Defence are continuously monitoring developments.
As per the CWC, water levels in reservoirs on the Nepal side are receding and the situation is under control. There is no panic-like situation, it said.
Meanwhile, reports of Indian tourists missing in Nepal have emerged. The Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu have issued emergency helpline numbers for Indian nationals affected by the flash floods.
Those requiring assistance can contact the Indian Embassy at +977 985 131 6807 or +977 970 910 7500.
TNT KS
