Nepal Prime Minister Balendra ‘Balen’ Shah has expressed gratitude to India, China and the United States for their timely response to the devastating flash floods in the Bhotkoshi River. The floods have so far claimed over 1,200 lives and left a trail of destruction across at least three districts.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, Shah thanked the countries for sending emergency assistance, relief supplies and specialised teams to help Nepal respond to the disaster. The flash floods struck about a week ago, washing away villages, roads and power infrastructure in several areas.
According to the latest figures, the death toll had risen to 1,204 by Wednesday evening. Rescue teams continue to search affected areas, while more than 4,200 people remain unaccounted for. Among those reported missing are 275 Indian pilgrims and tourists.
India and China were among the earliest countries to provide assistance to flood-hit Nepal. New Delhi has sent at least five batches of relief material since August 26. These consignments have included blankets, sleeping bags, heavy-duty tarpaulins, plastic sheeting and hygiene kits, with the Indian Air Force conducting multiple flights to deliver the supplies.
The relief material sent by India also includes medicines, food packets, solar lamps, water purification tablets and portable generators. In addition, India has deployed specialised rescue teams equipped to assist Nepali authorities in operations around hydropower tunnels. Teams have also been involved in forensic work related to the identification and handling of bodies and missing people.
China, meanwhile, has continued rescue and recovery operations from the Tibet side of the border. Beijing has also restored access to the road leading to the Gyirong border crossing into Nepal after sections of the route were destroyed by the floods. The reopening has enabled heavy machinery to enter the main disaster zone, providing additional support to ongoing relief operations.