Nepal's President thanks India for 'generous support' after deadly flash floods

Nepal President Ramchandra Paudel on Saturday expressed gratitude to his Indian counterpart Droupadi Murmu for her concern and the support extended by the government of India following the devastating flash floods in Nepal that left hundreds dead and caused widespread destruction.

"On behalf of the Government and the people of Nepal, I extend our deepest gratitude to Your Excellency Smt Droupadi Murmu for your kind concern and also for the generous support and solidarity extended by your government following the recent calamity in Nepal,” the Office of the President of Nepal posted on X.

Paudel also conveyed condolences over the tragic loss of Indian lives in the aftermath of the catastrophic flood on Wednesday.

"We also offer our heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Government and the people of India for the tragic loss of Indian lives in the disaster of August 26, 2026," he stated.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday stated that 149 Indian nationals crossed over safely into Nepal from China, while 320 people continue to remain missing or not contactable, in the wake of the deadly floods in Nepal.

The death toll from the flash floods reached over 600 on Saturday morning, while hundreds remain missing, local media reported, citing officials.

The massive flood that struck Nepal's Rasuwa originated in the Tibetan region of China. It swept through the transboundary Bhote Koshi River, leaving a trail of destruction in the country.

Following the devastating floods, President Murmu on Wednesday expressed solidarity with Nepal and reaffirmed New Delhi’s readiness to assist the Himalayan nation in its relief and rescue efforts.

"I convey my deepest sympathies to Rt Hon President Mr. Ramchandra Paudel and the people of Nepal on the devastation caused by the flash floods today. We express our solidarity with Nepal at this difficult hour. India stands ready to support the relief and rescue efforts of the Government of Nepal for those affected by this calamity,” President’s Secretariat posted on X.

Modi speaks to Nepalese counterpart

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday spoke with his Nepali counterpart Balendra Shah and offered condolences on the loss of lives due to the flash floods in the Himalayan nation. PM Modi also expressed India's readiness to provide all possible humanitarian assistance to Nepal.

"Spoke to Prime Minister Balendra Shah and conveyed condolences on the loss of lives due to the floods in Nepal. The people of India stand in solidarity with their sisters and brothers in Nepal at this difficult time," PM Modi posted on X.

"India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance to Nepal. Our teams are coordinating closely on rescue and relief efforts," he added.

Musician Vishal Mishra has pledged to organise concerts in Assam and Nepal, with every penny raised going towards flood relief and supporting the affected people. He went on to share that an official announcement will follow soon.

Organise us an airlift, Kannadigas urge CM

Kannadigas stranded in Nepal on Saturday urged Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to arrange an airlift, citing the risk of landslides and the difficult 12-15-hour road journey back.

Shivakumar, who interacted with a group of pilgrims from Karnataka through a video conference, assured them that he would assess the situation and take necessary steps to ensure their safe return.

It may be recalled that as many as 17 people from Karnataka, including Infosys Public Services CEO Lax Gopisetty, remained untraceable in Nepal till Saturday, following devastating floods and landslides that have disrupted communication and transportation across several parts of the country.

The Chief Minister spoke to a group of pilgrims, including women, who had travelled from Karnataka to Nepal and were stranded amid difficult conditions. He asked them not to worry and assured them that the state government was with them.

During the interaction, Shivakumar asked the pilgrims about their present location and the difficulties they were facing.

Unbearable to watch: Amtabh Bachchan

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan expressed his concern over the devastating floods in Nepal, describing the destruction as "unbearable to watch".

Taking to his blog, Amitabh said that the fury of nature cannot be battled, but calls for divine intervention.

Big B wrote on his blog: "On a more serious note the devastation of the floods in Nepal are unbearable to watch... the fury of nature can never be battled with .. its respect needs the presence of the divine...we pray .. for that in itself is beyond all...(sic)."

Indo-Asian News Service