Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah has expressed gratitude to India and China for their timely assistance following the devastating floods that struck the Himalayan nation, saying international support has played an important role in ongoing rescue and relief operations.
Addressing Nepal’s Parliament, Shah thanked neighbouring countries and other members of the international community for extending assistance during one of the country’s worst flood disasters. India and China were among the first countries to provide relief supplies and specialised assistance following the catastrophe.
PM Shah Thanks Friendly Nations for Support
Prime Minister Shah said Nepal had received messages of solidarity and assistance from several countries as authorities continued large-scale rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts.
He specifically acknowledged support from India, China, the United States and other friendly nations, saying their assistance had provided encouragement to Nepal during the difficult period.
The Prime Minister said the government considered the support from friendly countries, international organisations and agencies important as Nepal deals with the humanitarian consequences of the disaster and works to reach affected communities.
India Extends Humanitarian and Rescue Assistance
India moved quickly to provide humanitarian support after the floods struck Nepal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Balendra Shah soon after the disaster, conveyed condolences over the loss of lives and assured Nepal of all possible humanitarian assistance.
Indian teams have been coordinating with Nepali authorities on rescue and relief operations. India has also sent multiple consignments of emergency supplies, including blankets, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, hygiene kits, medicines, food packets, solar lamps, water purification tablets and portable generators.
Specialised Indian rescue teams and technical experts have also been deployed to assist in operations, including efforts connected to hydropower facilities and forensic work related to the identification of victims and missing persons.
China Also Provides Specialised Assistance
China has also been actively involved in rescue and recovery efforts following the disaster.
Chinese teams have continued operations on the Tibet side of the border, while the reopening of a key road leading towards the Gyirong border crossing has helped improve access for heavy machinery and specialised equipment to reach affected areas.
The support from China is particularly significant given the cross-border impact of the disaster and the difficult Himalayan terrain, which has complicated efforts to reach remote and severely affected communities.
Rescue Operations Continue Across Flood-Hit Areas
Nepal continues to face a massive humanitarian challenge as search and rescue operations remain underway in several disaster-hit areas.
Prime Minister Shah told Parliament that thousands of people had been rescued, while authorities were still trying to establish contact with thousands of others affected by the devastating floods.
The disaster caused widespread destruction to settlements, roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure, making rescue and recovery efforts particularly challenging. International teams and Nepali authorities are continuing to work in difficult conditions to locate missing people and provide assistance to survivors.
International Support Remains Crucial for Nepal
As Nepal moves from immediate rescue operations towards long-term relief and rehabilitation, international support is expected to remain crucial.
The devastating floods have highlighted the vulnerability of Himalayan communities to extreme weather events and climate-related disasters. Nepal is now faced with the enormous task of rebuilding damaged infrastructure, restoring essential services and supporting thousands of families affected by the tragedy.
PM Balendra Shah’s appreciation for India and China reflects the importance of regional cooperation during major humanitarian emergencies. With rescue and recovery operations still continuing, Nepal is expected to require sustained technical, humanitarian and financial support in the coming weeks and months.
The assistance provided by neighbouring countries, particularly India and China, has underscored the importance of cross-border cooperation as Nepal confronts the immediate aftermath of the disaster and prepares for the long road towards recovery.