What Diplomatic Efforts Are Underway for the Rescue of 17 Nepali Citizens Affected by Uttarakhand Floods?

Kathmandu, Aug 8 (NationPress) Nepal's Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli announced on Friday that 17 Nepali citizens have been affected by the recent floods in Uttarakhand. He revealed that Kathmandu is actively engaged in diplomatic talks with New Delhi regarding the rescue efforts for those missing.

Oli expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in Uttarakhand, where relief operations are in full swing following significant destruction caused by heavy rains.

In a social media update, Oli mentioned, "The news of the substantial loss of life and property due to the floods in our friendly neighboring country, India, is deeply concerning. Reports indicate that over 17 Nepali citizens have also been affected by these floods. We have initiated immediate diplomatic talks through our Embassy for their rescue efforts. I pay my respects to those who have tragically lost their lives in these floods and landslides, and I wish the bereaved families strength during this difficult time."

Nepal's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arzu Rana Deuba, also shared on Friday that she has instructed Nepal's Embassy in New Delhi to collaborate with the Indian authorities and expedite the search and rescue operations for the missing Nepali nationals.

"The reports of several Nepali citizens missing due to the recent Uttarakhand floods in neighboring India bring great sorrow. The Nepal government has already commenced diplomatic measures for their search and rescue. I have directed our Embassy in New Delhi to work closely with the Indian government to act swiftly in locating the missing Nepali citizens. I extend my heartfelt tributes to those who lost their lives in this calamity, and I express my deepest condolences to the grieving families," Deuba posted on X.

District officials in Dhading reported that four residents from ward 2 of Jwalamukhi Municipality have lost contact after traveling for work to the Dharali area of Uttarkashi, as per Nepal's leading daily, The Kathmandu Post. Chief District Officer Suman Ghimire stated that they were believed to be in the vicinity of Dharali when the disaster struck. Additionally, Nepal's Home Ministry has sought assistance from its Embassy in New Delhi.

Meanwhile, the Karnali Province Police reported that 15 individuals from Jajarkot and Jumla have lost contact following the incident. The missing persons include five men from ward 2 of Kushe Rural Municipality in Jajarkot and ten from ward 2 of Junichande Rural Municipality in Jumla.

Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya of Lumbini Province urged the federal government to enhance the search and rescue operations for four Nepali citizens from Bardiya who are reportedly missing after the Uttarakhand floods. He called upon Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to expedite the operation through diplomatic channels.

As of Thursday, a total of 274 individuals stranded in disaster-affected areas of Uttarkashi have been rescued and brought to Harsil, raising the total number of rescues to 409, as confirmed by officials involved in the ongoing relief and rescue operations.

In addition, 135 individuals have been evacuated to safer locations as operations continue in the aftermath of the devastating flash floods caused by cloudbursts. In total, 409 individuals have been rescued so far, with people being airlifted to safer altitudes while the injured receive immediate medical care.

The Disaster Management Authority reported that all 274 people rescued and brought to Harsil from Gangotri and surrounding areas are safe. The rescued individuals include pilgrims from various regions of India, with 131 from Gujarat, 123 from Maharashtra, 21 from Madhya Pradesh, 12 from Uttar Pradesh, six from Rajasthan, seven from Delhi, five each from Assam and Karnataka, three from Telangana, and one from Punjab.