The Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi on Thursday, 27 August formally expressed gratitude to the Government and people of India for their solidarity and swift humanitarian assistance following the devastating flash floods triggered by the Bhote Koshi River. At least 162 people have been confirmed dead, with hundreds still missing as rescue operations continue across affected areas.

Scale of the Disaster

The flash floods caused widespread displacement and inflicted severe damage on settlements, roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure across the affected region. Officials have confirmed that several individuals remain unaccounted for, and the full extent of human and material losses is still being assessed. Search and rescue operations are being conducted through air and ground means, with the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, civil administration, and health institutions all mobilised.

Nepal's Gratitude to Indian Leadership

In a formal statement, the Embassy extended sincere thanks to President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for their messages of condolence, prayers, and solidarity. The Embassy also acknowledged Union Ministers, Governors, Chief Ministers, parliamentarians, and political leaders across India for their expressions of sympathy.

'Their expressions of sympathy, concern for the affected families and assurance of India's support have provided strength and comfort to the people of Nepal during this hour of profound grief,' the Embassy's statement said.

India's Humanitarian Response

Beyond diplomatic messages, India has provided prompt humanitarian assistance and maintained close coordination with Nepalese authorities. The Embassy also thanked heads and members of diplomatic missions and international organisations based in New Delhi, along with media organisations, civil society, business and cultural groups, and members of the Nepali community across India for their solidarity.

Government Priorities and Public Advisory

Nepal's immediate relief priorities include saving lives, locating missing and stranded persons — including foreign nationals — providing medical treatment, and ensuring food, safe drinking water, and temporary shelter for displaced communities. Restoring access, communications, and essential services is also a key focus, with special attention to protecting children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.

The Embassy urged the public and media to rely solely on information from official channels and to refrain from circulating unverified reports, personal details of affected persons, or unauthorised fundraising appeals. It remains in close coordination with India's Ministry of External Affairs and diplomatic missions regarding foreign nationals who may have been impacted. All eyes are now on the pace of rescue operations and the final assessment of losses as the situation continues to evolve.