India is “first responder” to Nepal, assures PM Modi as flood hits Nepal

India is committed to assist Nepal as it has been a “first responder” whenever the country has faced a natural calamity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday, as heavy rains caused widespread destruction and loss of lives in the Himalayan nation. The disaster has added to the strain on Nepal, which is under an interim government formed after last month’s Gen-Z protest that overthrew the government of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli.

“The loss of lives and damage caused by heavy rains in Nepal is distressing. We stand with the people and Government of Nepal in this difficult time. As a friendly neighbour and first responder, India remains committed to providing any assistance that may be required,” Mr. Modi said.

Nepal’s weather department warned on Sunday that the water level in the Kosi, Tamor, Arun, and Sunkoshi rivers was expected to flow above danger levels, with a high possibility of flash floods in smaller rivers across Ilam, Jhapa, Morang, Panchthar, Terhathum, Dhankuta, Sunsari, Udayapur, Saptari, Siraha, and Dhanusa districts.

According to initial reports, at least 47 people are feared dead, with infrastructure washed away in several places. The swelling of the Kosi has also raised the flood threat in north Bihar, as the cross-border river is often blamed for inundation in the region.