Nepal President Ramchandra Paudel on Saturday thanked his Indian counterpart Droupadi Murmu for expressing concern and for the support extended by the Indian government following devastating flash floods in Nepal that have claimed hundreds of lives and caused widespread destruction.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of Nepal, I extend our deepest gratitude to Your Excellency Smt Droupadi Murmu for your kind concern and also for the generous support and solidarity extended by your government following the recent calamity in Nepal,” the Office of the President of Nepal said in a post on X.
Paudel also expressed condolences to the Government and people of India over the loss of Indian nationals in the disaster on August 26.
“We also offer our heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Government and the people of India for the tragic loss of Indian lives in the disaster of August 26, 2026,” he said.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday that 149 Indian nationals had safely crossed into Nepal from China, while 320 people remained missing or could not be contacted following the floods.
The death toll from the flash floods rose to 616 on Saturday morning, while hundreds of people remained missing, according to local media reports citing officials.
The floods, which struck Nepal’s Rasuwa district, originated in China’s Tibet region and swept through the transboundary Bhote Koshi River, causing extensive destruction.
Following the disaster, President Murmu on Wednesday expressed solidarity with Nepal and reaffirmed India’s readiness to assist in relief and rescue operations.
“I convey my deepest sympathies to Rt Hon President Mr. Ramchandra Paudel and the people of Nepal on the devastation caused by the flash floods today. We express our solidarity with Nepal at this difficult hour. India stands ready to support the relief and rescue efforts of the Government of Nepal for those affected by this calamity,” the President’s Secretariat said in a post on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Wednesday and conveyed condolences over the loss of lives in the floods. He assured Nepal of India’s readiness to provide humanitarian assistance.
“Spoke to Prime Minister Balendra Shah and conveyed condolences on the loss of lives due to the floods in Nepal. The people of India stand in solidarity with their sisters and brothers in Nepal at this difficult time,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
“India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance to Nepal. Our teams are coordinating closely on rescue and relief efforts,” he added.
(IANS Inputs)
