29 August,2026 11:37 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Mallikarjun Kharge. File Pic
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the government to extend all possible humanitarian assistance to Nepal following the devastating flash floods that have killed hundreds of people and left thousands unaccounted for.
Kharge also raised concerns about Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin who remain stranded or uncontactable in Nepal and called for intensified rescue and evacuation efforts to ensure their safe return.
The appeal comes as Nepal continues search and relief operations after widespread flash floods caused extensive destruction across parts of the country.
Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said the bodies of 579 people swept away by the floods had been recovered so far.
As of Friday evening, 1,924 people remained out of contact, according to the authority.
The disaster has caused widespread damage and left many affected communities in need of food, medicines, shelter and other essential supplies.
In his letter to Modi, Kharge said he was "deeply concerned" about the scale of the devastation in Nepal. Referring to media reports, he noted that hundreds of people had been confirmed dead and a large number remained unaccounted for.
Kharge urged the Centre to coordinate with the Nepal government and provide adequate humanitarian and relief assistance to people affected by the disaster.
"I request you to ensure that adequate humanitarian and relief assistance is provided to the affected people of Nepal in coordination with the Government of Nepal," Kharge said.
He said the scale of the disaster had created an urgent need for food, medicines, shelter and other essential assistance.
The Congress president said India should extend support to Nepal as rescue and relief agencies continue operations in areas affected by the flooding.
Kharge also highlighted concerns about Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin who have been affected by the floods.
"It is requested that requisite directions are issued to the concerned authorities to intensify rescue and evacuation efforts and make all necessary arrangements for their safe and early return to India," he said.
"I am also concerned about the Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin stranded or uncontactable in Nepal. As per the latest information from the Ministry of External Affairs, around 320 Indian nationals remain uncontactable," Kharge said.
He expressed hope that the Centre would take immediate steps to provide all possible assistance and strengthen efforts to trace and evacuate those affected.
In his letter to Shah, Kharge said India should stand with Nepal and provide comprehensive assistance to those affected by the floods.
"I urge the Government to consider extending immediate and comprehensive humanitarian and disaster-relief assistance to Nepal. In particular, the deployment of teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), wherever required and in coordination with the Government of Nepal, may be considered to assist in rescue, evacuation and relief operations in the affected areas," he said.
"The NDRF's expertise and experience in responding to natural disasters can provide valuable support in efforts to save lives and bring urgent relief to those facing this immense tragedy," Kharge added.
He said specialised disaster response teams could assist Nepalese authorities in areas where additional technical expertise was required.
Meanwhile, India has continued to send humanitarian assistance to Nepal as rescue and relief operations continue.
The third flight carrying assistance and an 11-member medical and tunnel rescue team reached Nepal from India on Friday.
The consignment included 10 tonnes of humanitarian assistance, comprising portable generator sets, dignity kits, food packets and water purification tablets.
India had earlier sent additional relief supplies to Nepal. On Thursday, the second consignment of 37.5 tonnes of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief material, medicines and food packets was handed over to support rescue and relief operations.
(With inputs from IANS)
