E-Paper
India assures full support to flood-affected Nepal
The death toll in Nepal has crossed 50, with thousands displaced due to the floods.
With the death toll in flood-affected Nepal crossing 50, India on Sunday said that it was ready to support and cooperate its neighbour in all ways and means.
External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, in a telephonic conversation with Nepal’s deputy prime minister and minister for foreign affairs Krishna Bahadur Mahara on Sunday evening, pledged all possible support.
On Saturday, Mahara called on Indian ambassador Majeev Singh Puri to request him for New Delhi to open the floodgates on the Koshi, Gadak and Rapti rivers, and as per reports, India took prompt action and helped smooth discharge of waters. However, some gates on the Koshi river have not been opened because the sudden flow of water may wipe out settlements on the Indian side of the border.
There is criticism against India for not opening floodgates on the rivers on time, which has resulted in floods in southern Nepal, especially in the Terai region. However, the Indian embassy said the flood has affected both countries, adding that it is constant contact with authorities in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
India was the first country to respond during the 2015 Nepal earthquakes, sending search and rescue teams to help those affected.
