Kharge Urges PM Modi to Ensure Rescue, Evacuation of Indians Stranded in Flood Hit Nepal
Congress chief seeks safe evacuation of stranded nationals and stronger humanitarian assistance for Nepal as rescue operations intensify after deadly flash floods.
New Delhi, Aug 29: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to accelerate rescue and evacuation efforts for Indian nationals stranded in different parts of flood hit Nepal and ensure their safe return to India.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, Kharge also called for adequate humanitarian and relief assistance to people affected by the disaster, in coordination with the Nepal government.
Expressing concern over the scale of devastation in the neighbouring country, the Congress chief said the floods had resulted in extensive loss of life and property and left thousands of people in urgent need of basic necessities.
Kharge cited recent reports indicating that more than 500 people had died, while a large number of others remained missing following the devastating floods and flash floods.
He said affected communities were facing an immediate shortage of food, medicines, shelter and other essential supplies.
Kharge also raised concerns over Indian nationals and people of Indian origin who have been stranded or remain uncontactable because of the disruption caused by the floods.
Referring to information from the Ministry of External Affairs, he said around 320 Indian nationals were still unreachable and called for immediate intervention by the authorities.
The Congress president urged the Centre to issue necessary directions to the concerned agencies to intensify search, rescue and evacuation operations and make arrangements for the early return of those affected.
Meanwhile, India has stepped up its assistance to Nepal following a request from the neighbouring country.
An 11-member Indian team arrived in Nepal on Saturday to support local authorities in relief and rescue operations. The team includes medical personnel and experts specialising in tunnel rescue operations, according to Indian embassy sources.
The Indian team is expected to assist authorities in areas severely affected by the flash floods as large-scale emergency operations continue across the Himalayan nation.
The floods have caused extensive damage to homes, roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure. Rasuwa and several other areas of central Nepal have been among the worst affected.
The disaster has added pressure on emergency agencies as rescue teams continue to search for missing people and provide essential supplies to communities cut off by damaged infrastructure.
Kharge said the Indian government should take all possible measures to support both the affected people of Nepal and Indian nationals caught in the disaster.
