Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday, 26 August spoke to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary to review preparedness in border districts, hours after devastating flash floods struck Nepal's Rasuwa region, triggering fears of a spillover crisis into Indian territory.

NDRF on High Alert Along India-Nepal Border

Shah confirmed that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been placed on high alert alongside local administrations and relief-rescue teams in border areas where, in his words, the 'impact of the tragedy may be felt.' The directive covers districts in both Uttar Pradesh and Bihar that share a porous border with Nepal.

In a post on X, Shah expressed condolences for the lives lost. 'The devastation caused by the floods in Nepal is extremely heartbreaking. My condolences are with those families who have lost their loved ones in this disaster,' he wrote. He added: 'In this hour of crisis, the Government of India stands with Nepal.'

PM Modi Offers Humanitarian Assistance to Nepal

Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke directly with his Nepali counterpart Balendra Shah, offering condolences and pledging all possible humanitarian assistance. In a post on X, Modi stated: 'India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance to Nepal. Our teams are coordinating closely on rescue and relief efforts.'

This marks a swift diplomatic and operational response from New Delhi, with both the Prime Minister and the Home Minister engaging within hours of the disaster unfolding.

Over 100 Indians Among 384 Tourists Reported Missing

According to a preliminary situation update issued by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), 384 tourists are reported missing following the flash floods that struck Wednesday morning. Of these, 291 are foreign nationals and 93 are Nepali citizens. Among the foreign nationals, 105 are Indian, with others hailing from the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, Malaysia, South Africa, and the Netherlands.

The NTB cautioned that these figures are preliminary and are being verified and cross-checked with travel agencies, local authorities, and other concerned agencies. The number of confirmed fatalities remains unclear, with several people feared dead.

Flash Floods Hit Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa

The floods, triggered in the Bhote Koshi River in Nepal's Rasuwa region, struck on Wednesday morning, catching tourists and residents off guard. The Rasuwa district, a popular trekking corridor close to the Tibet border, is known for its high vulnerability to glacial lake outburst floods during the monsoon season. This is consistent with a recurring pattern — the Bhote Koshi basin has seen multiple flood events in recent decades, often with cross-border consequences for India's Gangetic plains.

What Happens Next

Indian rescue and relief teams are reportedly coordinating with Nepali authorities. The NDRF's deployment in border areas is a precautionary measure to respond rapidly if floodwaters affect Indian districts downstream. The NTB has indicated that updated figures on missing tourists will be released as verification with travel agencies progresses. The Indian government's offer of humanitarian assistance is expected to be formalised through diplomatic channels in the coming hours.