KATHMANDU, Aug 26: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed condolences over the loss of lives and property caused by the devastating Bhotekoshi River floods in Rasuwa and assured Nepal of all necessary humanitarian assistance.
Modi spoke by phone with Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Wednesday and said the people of India stand with Nepal during the difficult situation.
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In a social media post, Modi said teams from both countries were closely coordinating search and rescue efforts and that India was preparing to send relief supplies.
The sudden flood in the Bhotekoshi River on Wednesday morning caused extensive damage in Timure Bazaar, the Rasuwagadhi customs area and 13 hydropower projects. At least 16 deaths have been confirmed, while nearly 400 tourists, including 105 Indians, are reportedly missing.
Meanwhile, 110 people injured in the floods have been airlifted to Kathmandu for treatment at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Maharajgunj, the National Trauma Center and Birendra Army Hospital in Chhauni.
Teams from the Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force continue search and rescue operations in the affected areas.
