Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who arrived in Kathmandu on Wednesday without knowing about the devastating flash floods in northern Nepal, on Thursday voiced concern over the loss of lives and extensive damage caused by the disaster. Nepali authorities reported on Thursday that at least 177 people have died and more than 800 are still missing following the devastating flash floods.
Tharoor on Nepal floods
Tharoor stated in a post on X that he had flown to Kathmandu yesterday, completely unaware of the turmoil that had unfolded in the hills and led to such devastating destruction. The senior Congress leader said he only understood the magnitude of the disaster after arriving in Kathmandu.
Upon reaching the site, I was informed about the fatalities, now confirmed at 160, and that an estimated 2,000 or more individuals are missing," said the Thiruvananthapuram MP. "I wholeheartedly endorse the Indian government's prompt commitment to provide relief aid. Nepal requires all the assistance it can receive," Tharoor stated.
Voicing concern for the Indian tourists affected by the tragedy, he said, "My heart goes out to the victims and their families, among whom are many Indian tourists, including a hundred undertaking the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra." The former Union Minister added, "Prayers for those missing; may they be found and brought to safety soon."
Nepal floods
A sudden, intense flash flood struck Nepal’s northern Rasuwa district near the Tibet border, inflicting extensive destruction along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers and leaving more than 170 people dead. Authorities reported that over 800 individuals are still missing.
Nepalese authorities reported that dozens of bridges have been destroyed and nearly 40 kilometres of roads damaged, complicating search and rescue operations. The national army evacuated more than 100 people from flood-affected regions using helicopters on Thursday morning, according to army spokesperson Brigadier General Raja Ram Basnet. Meanwhile, Chinese state media said that three people have died and 558 others are still missing in Tibet.
