Modi speaks: to Balen, offers all assistance, India airlifts relief material

Soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called up Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah and conveyed India’s readiness to provide “all possible humanitarian assistance”, India on Wednesday sent about 10 tonnes of relief material, including medicines, in an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft. “Spoke to Prime Minister Balendra Shah and conveyed condolences on the loss of lives due to the floods in Nepal.

The people of India stand in solidarity with their sisters and brothers in Nepal at this difficult time. India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance to Nepal. Our teams are coordinating closely on rescue and relief efforts,” Modi shared in a post on X.

For related coverage, explore our detailed analysis on Technology and Digital Systems.

Shah Response Shared “Thank Updates

Shah, in his response, shared: “Thank you very much. for your kind call and deep condolences. We deeply appreciate your warm words of solidarity and your generous offer of assistance to Nepal during this difficult time.

This gesture of solidarity is a reflection of the enduring bonds of friendship between our two countries, which we profoundly value.” Our thoughts are with the bereaved families and all those affected. In the face of this challenge, India stands with Nepal and its people.” Sources shared the IAF's C-130J is carrying 10 tonnes of relief material, including temporary shelters, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps and medicines.

Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal said: “Thank you. for the generous humanitarian aid and critical medical supplies extended to support our flood relief operations.

India’s swift response reflects the strength of our bilateral partnership and mutual solidarity in this difficult hour.” While over 100 Indians have been reported missing, sources stated that besides tourists/ pilgrims, these included several people working at the Trishuli hydropower project.

Rescue Relief Efforts Continue Updates

Rescue and relief efforts continue to be strengthened in coordination with the Government of Nepal”. In a post on X, it also put out helpline numbers for assistance and information related to the Indian nationals: 977 985 131 6807 and 977 970 910 7500.

The Nepal Tourism Board also put out helpline numbers, including a toll-free emergency number 1234, hotline 1144, and tourist law enforcement personnel officers officers 9851289445.

The Indian Embassy in Beijing also put out a post on X: “In view of the recent flash flood in the border areas in the Tibet Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China, Indian nationals stranded in the vicinity can seek assistance from the following contact points: i) Chinese officials on the ground: 0086 139 8999 0012; ii) Embassy of India, Beijing: 0086 185 1428 4905 (can also be contacted through WhatsApp); iii) Embassy of India, Kathmandu: +977 985 131 6807, +977 970 910 7500 (Both numbers can also be contacted through WhatsApp)”.

World · Himalayas · Factbox Deadly disasters in the Himalayas over a dozen years A massive flash flood has struck the Nepal-Tibet border. Reuters lists some of the region's biggest disasters of the past dozen years — a toll some analysts blame on climate change and rapid development.

Read More: Ajit Doval, Wang Yi look to ‘make progress on boundary delimitation’

Updated · Aug 26, 2026 Flash flood on the Nepal-Tibet border kills at least 157 The toll climbed sharply to at least 157, law enforcement personnel officers officers say — up from an initial count of nine — as villages were washed away and roads, bridges and power projects were damaged.

The number may still rise. The past dozen years August 2025 · Uttarakhand, India 4 deaddozens missing Sudden flooding and landslides in the Indian state. September 2024 · Nepal 66+ deadflooding & landslides Persistent downpours triggered widespread flooding and landslides.

November 2023 · Uttarakhand, India All 41 rescuedroad-tunnel cave-in 41 low-wage workers were trapped in a collapsing road tunnel and freed after 17 days. No cause was given. October 2023 · Sikkim, India 179 deadglacial lake outburst Torrential rain burst a glacial lake, causing devastating floods in the northeastern state.

January 2023 · Joshimath, India ~200 evacuatedtown subsidence Cracks spread through hundreds of buildings, later demolished as unsafe. Authorities blamed rapid building work. October 2021 · Uttarakhand, India 46+ deadunseasonal rain Heavy rain flooded roads and washed away bridges.

February 2021 · Uttarakhand, India 200+ deadDhauliganga flash flood A flash flood swept away two hydroelectric projects, sending water, rock and debris down the valley. September 2014 · Kashmir ~464 deadworst floods in 50 years The Jhelum river surged in unusually heavy rain, killing about 200 Indians and 264 Pakistanis.

Reuters notes that some analysts link the rising frequency of these disasters to climate change and widespread development across the fragile mountain region.

The Aug 26, 2026 toll is provisional and may rise. Figures are as A developing story. Express InfoGenIE · Global Desk .

“The Embassy in Beijing is in close touch with local authorities to assist affected Indian nationals. Please follow all official advisories released Meanwhile, flood alerts have been released in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, which border Nepal.

Additional National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been sent to both the states, with the swelling waters expected to flow downstream into the Gandak river.

The NDRF has advised local authorities in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, particularly in areas along the India-Nepal border and the Gandak river, to remain alert and monitor the situation. While two NDRF teams have been sent to Bihar for deployment in West Champaran and Muzaffarpur, an additional NDRF team has been deployed in Kushinagar, a district considered vulnerable because of its proximity to the Gandak river.

With this, a total of nine NDRF teams are currently positioned in Bihar, while 11 NDRF teams are deployed in Uttar Pradesh. Additional teams have also been kept on standby. According to an advisory released With inputs from Divya A