Rajnath Singh Visits Nepal Embassy, Assures Support Amid Flood Crisis

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday visited the Nepal Embassy in New Delhi and expressed solidarity with the country as it battles the aftermath of devastating flash floods.

Singh offered condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and assured Nepal of India's continued support during the ongoing crisis.

During his visit, the Defence Minister also signed the embassy's condolence book, highlighting the close ties between the two neighbouring countries.

"As a close friend and partner, and "Sukh, Dukh Ke Saathi" (companion through happiness and sorrow), India has always stood by Nepal. In this trying time also, we stand shoulder to shoulder with our Nepali brothers and sisters and are committed to support Nepal's efforts for search, rescue and rehabilitation," Singh wrote in the condolence message.

Nepal is continuing large-scale rescue and relief operations following flash floods that caused extensive destruction across several parts of the country.

Rescue teams from Nepal and China have been battling mud, swollen rivers and the threat posed by newly formed lakes while searching for thousands of people reported missing.

According to the latest figures from Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), the death toll has climbed to 903.

Around 4,247 people remain missing, while 10,451 people have been rescued so far, the authority said.

Rescue operations have entered their sixth day following the catastrophic flooding and mudslides that swept through the Himalayan region on August 26.

The disaster was triggered by a glacier collapse that caused a sudden and massive surge in the Bhotekoshi River in Nepal's Rasuwa district, which borders Tibet.

The resulting floods caused widespread damage and left a large number of people missing across the affected areas.

India Steps Up Relief Assistance

India has continued to provide humanitarian assistance to Nepal as rescue and rehabilitation efforts remain underway.

The latest assistance included India's fourth flight carrying 11 tonnes of relief material, which reached Nepal on Sunday.

The consignment has been handed over to Nepalese authorities and includes specialised equipment and personnel to support search and rescue operations.

It includes a tunnel technical contingent equipped for rescue operations, a team of forensic experts to assist with DNA analysis and essential supplies such as blankets, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, plastic sheets and hygiene kits.

India has reiterated its commitment to supporting Nepal's rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts as the neighbouring country recovers from the disaster.