KATHMANDU: Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has instructed the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi to coordinate urgently with Indian authorities to search for and rescue Nepali citizens missing in the floods and landslides in Uttarakhand, India.
The disaster struck Dharali village, located along the route to Uttarkashi, where several Nepali nationals were caught in the floods and landslides.
“The government has already initiated diplomatic efforts for their search and rescue,” Minister Rana said. “I have directed our embassy in New Delhi to work in close coordination with the Government of India to ensure prompt action.”
According to Hari Chandra Basnet, Chair of Kushe Rural Municipality in Jajarkot, more than 13 residents from Ward No. 2 and several others from other wards have been out of contact since the incident. Basnet has appealed to the Government of Nepal and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to make urgent diplomatic interventions for their rescue.
The floods and landslides hit on Tuesday afternoon when a massive landslide swept through Dharali, causing widespread devastation.
Indian media reports confirm at least five deaths so far, while over 100 people remain missing. Among the missing are nine Indian Army personnel. More than 50 houses, over 30 hotels and resorts, and 25 homestays have been completely destroyed.
Comment