New Delhi, Aug 27: Leaders across party lines on Thursday expressed grief and concern over the devastating flash floods in Nepal, describing the tragedy as deeply saddening and painful while stressing the need for relief, rescue efforts and continued vigilance in neighbouring Indian states.

The reactions came as the bodies of 162 people swept away by a massive flash flood in Nepal’s Bhote Koshi River had been recovered as of Thursday morning. The disaster has caused widespread devastation, with several people still reported missing and extensive damage inflicted on property and infrastructure.

Speaking to media, Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav said the tragedy in Nepal was extremely distressing and had resulted in significant loss of lives and property.

“The tragedy in Nepal is very saddening. There was a sudden flood and Nepal has been devastated. Indians are also missing. Both lives and property have been lost. It is deeply saddening and a matter of great concern. Our respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to the Prime Minister of Nepal and assured him of all possible support,” he said.

BJP Bihar President Sanjay Saraogi termed the situation a terrible disaster, saying heavy rains and flooding had caused severe destruction.

“There has been a terrible disaster in Nepal. Dams have been destroyed and heavy rains have caused severe damage. More than 1,000 people are still missing in Nepal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the Prime Minister of Nepal and assured the people of Nepal that India would provide all possible assistance,” he said.

Bihar Assembly Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav described the incident as extremely painful and called for greater vigilance in Bihar in view of possible repercussions on river systems.

“We saw the videos yesterday showing the way the floodwaters rose and people were running for safety. We feel the Bihar government needs to keep a closer watch on the situation. Everyone needs to remain alert. There is also concern that the Gandak River could be affected in Bihar,” he said.

Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC offered condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and raised concerns about tourists from Maharashtra stranded in Nepal.

“First of all, my condolences to every person who lost their life in these flash floods. Seven tourists from Maharashtra are also stranded there. Our respected leader Eknath Shinde and the Shiv Sena are in touch with the authorities to ensure that they return safely. As far as the Government of India is concerned, we have always maintained a friendly relationship with and extended support to Nepal,” she said.

Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister, Prem Chand Bairwa, said every possible effort should be made to provide relief and assistance to the affected families.

Bihar Minister Ratnesh Sada also expressed grief over the devastation, saying that governments must respond with compassion whenever such disasters strike.

“The Chief Minister is also concerned. Wherever there is a disaster, we must respond with compassion in the interest of humanity. I am saddened by the devastation caused by the floods in Nepal and the loss of life,” he said.

JD(U) National Working President and MP, Sanjay Kumar Jha, said the reduced water flow had eased immediate pressure but stressed the importance of remaining alert. He also called for coordinated flood management between India and Nepal.

“The water flow has reduced significantly, so there is not much pressure. However, it is a matter of staying alert. The biggest message from this is that India and Nepal should plan for joint flood management,” he said.

JD(U) President Umesh Singh Kushwaha said, “We are monitoring the situation continuously. Every 24 hours, we are monitoring the dams, including the old dams, and the waterways. Therefore, common people do not need to worry too much. We are keeping a close watch on the situation. When the water level rises, we will know.”

JD(U) National General Secretary, Shyam Rajak, called the incident very worrying and said Prime Minister Modi had assured Nepal of India’s support.

Shyam Rajak said, “The incident is very worrying. It is a natural disaster. Our Prime Minister has spoken at length with the Prime Minister of Nepal and assured him that the Government of India will stand by the people of Nepal.”

DMK spokesperson T.K.S. Elangovan also expressed sympathy with those affected, saying that while natural calamities could not be stopped, those caught in such tragedies deserved support and compassion.

Amaravati, Aug 27: Three persons from Andhra Pradesh are reported missing after devastating floods in Nepal, the state government officials said on Thursday.

Four have been traced safe but remain stranded, while efforts are underway to locate the three missing persons, they said.

Two of those reported missing were members of Isha Foundation Group.

Bala Subramanyam from Kuppam has been reported missing. Sasi Kumar, travelling with Isha Foundation Group S3, was last seen at the Gyirong Embassy in China. Rajyalakshmi Nimmagadda, also a member of Isha Foundation Group S3, is also missing.

Bhaskar Shastri and three others from Adoni and Kurnool have been confirmed safe but remain stranded. They were part of a 156-member group travelling to Kailash Mansarovar.

Andhra Pradesh Bhavan and concerned departments have identified and are closely monitoring the cases of all seven Andhra Pradesh residents.

AP Bhavan is in constant coordination with the Indian Embassy, Chinese Embassy, Nepalese Embassy, Gyirong Immigration Centre, Isha Foundation, RTGS Centre and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to ascertain the whereabouts and safety of those affected.

State Minister for Information Technology and Real Time Governance, Nara Lokesh, is personally leading and coordinating rescue efforts to ensure the safe return of all Andhra Pradesh residents stranded or missing in flood-affected areas of Nepal.

He is coordinating with agencies across the board to trace the missing persons and facilitate the safe evacuation of those stranded.

According to Andhra Pradesh Bhavan, the areas of Syapru Besi, BC and Timure, key transit and acclimatisation points for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims, have been severely affected by the floods. Initial reports indicate that the sudden flooding may have been triggered by an ice-rock avalanche in the Lhende River, rather than rainfall.

The Nepal Army, Nepal Police and paramilitary forces are carrying out rescue operations.

All stranded persons have been advised to remain in safe locations and maintain contact with their respective embassies. Families looking for missing persons may contact Nepal Tourism Police at 1144 and the concerned embassy/ reach out to AP Bhavan, providing travel or transportation details and the person’s last known location.

AP Bhavan Emergency Control Room, New Delhi — 011-23384016; 011-23387089; and WhatsApp: 9059824101.

Washington, Aug 27: The United States is deploying a disaster response advisor to Nepal and providing $500,000 in emergency assistance after devastating flash floods in the country’s Rasuwa district killed several people and caused widespread destruction.

The State Department announced the assistance on Wednesday (local time) as the United Nations mobilised supplies and personnel to support Nepal’s government-led response.

“The United States extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the devastating flash floods in the Rasuwa district of Nepal,” the State Department said. “Our thoughts are with all those affected by this disaster.”

The department said it was closely monitoring conditions in the flood-hit region. The disaster response adviser will support relief operations on the ground.

The $500,000 assistance will be provided through the State Department’s global award with Catholic Relief Services.

The funding will support emergency shelter and the distribution of relief supplies. It will also help provide water, sanitation and hygiene assistance to communities affected by the flooding.

The US Embassy in Kathmandu is working with local authorities to locate and assist American citizens in the affected areas, the department said.

Americans in the affected areas have also been advised to monitor local news and follow instructions issued by local authorities.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, meanwhile, expressed sorrow over severe flooding in Nepal and China, where the disaster has killed people, left others missing and caused extensive damage.

“The Secretary-General is saddened by the severe flooding in Nepal and China, which has claimed many lives, left people missing and caused widespread destruction,” his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said in a statement issued in New York.

“He extends his condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a swift recovery to those injured. He expresses his solidarity with all those affected,” the statement said.

The United Nations is assisting the Nepal government as authorities assess the scale of the disaster and deliver urgent relief.

UN teams and humanitarian partners are mobilising personnel and supplies for communities hit by the floods, according to the statement.

“The Secretary-General commends the emergency responders working to save lives and reiterates the United Nations’ readiness to provide further support,” Dujarric said.

The US and UN announcements placed immediate attention on shelter, basic relief materials, safe water, sanitation and hygiene. The response also includes assessments to establish the extent of the damage and determine what further assistance affected communities require.

Nepal is highly vulnerable to floods and landslides during the annual monsoon season.