New Delhi: Centre placed border areas on high alert after a Nepal flash flood raised concerns over downstream flooding in India.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with the Chief Ministers of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh about the situation. He directed attention to areas near the India-Nepal border that could face the flood’s impact.
Shah said the devastation in Nepal was deeply tragic. He expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones in the disaster.
He also said the Government of India stood with Nepal during the crisis. Meanwhile, local administrations in vulnerable border areas stepped up preparedness.
Rescue teams and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were also placed on high alert. The measures focused on areas that could face rising water levels downstream.
According to a Central Water Commission (CWC) advisory and media reports, the Trishuli river recorded a sudden rise in water levels at Furke Khola in Nepal.
The location is around 160 km from the Indian border. Officials suspected flash flood or glacial lake outburst flood activity near the Nepal-China border.
Nepal flash flood impact monitored along Gandak
The flood impact was likely to move downstream through the Gandak river, according to the information cited by the Centre.
Therefore, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh authorities took precautionary measures near the India-Nepal border. These included evacuation and other support for local Indian communities in vulnerable areas.
Both state governments were advised to remain alert. They were also asked to maintain close monitoring of developments along the border.
Meanwhile, officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs continued monitoring the situation with other key ministries.
The Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Jal Shakti and Ministry of Defence also monitored developments. The agencies coordinated their assessment of the flood situation and its possible impact on India.
The CWC reported that water levels in reservoirs on the Nepal side were reducing. It also indicated that the situation remained under control.
The Centre said there was no panic-like situation in India. However, authorities continued to monitor the situation because downstream areas could still face changes in river levels.
Reports also indicated that some Indian tourists were missing in Nepal. The Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu issued emergency contact numbers for assistance.
Indian nationals affected by the floods or requiring assistance can contact the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu at +977 985 131 6807 or +977 970 910 7500.
The Centre continued to coordinate with state authorities and relevant agencies as officials monitored developments linked to the Nepal flash flood.
