As Kosi river continued to cause widespread devastation in Bihar, Nepal today said it will strengthen the embankment of the river on its side to prevent recurrence of such calamities.

"The first priority is to provide relief and rehabilitate the people affected by floods (in Bihar).


"This is the biggest need right now," Nepalese Foreign Minister Upendra Yadav said.

Asked whether Nepal would fortify the dam on its side of Kosi, Yadav said "it will be strengthened".

He ruled out any change in the Kosi river treaty with India.

There was a breach in embankment of the river, which originates in Nepal, that led to flooding in Bihar.


The state government and some political parties have been asking the central government to take up the matter with Nepal.

The issue came up when Yadav met External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee here last evening and the two sides agreed to work together in addressing the matter.