'India is giving highest priority to relief operations in Nepal': EAM Jaishankar

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday evaluated ongoing relief and rescue efforts in Nepal following a devastating flash flood in Rasuwa's Bhotekoshi River area, affirming that India attaches "highest priority" to humanitarian operations in the neighboring nation.

Updating the public via an X post, Jaishankar confirmed holding discussions with Indian diplomatic missions in Kathmandu and Beijing alongside key divisions within the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) regarding logistical updates and the dispatch of supplementary relief materials.

"Discussed the relief and rescue efforts underway in Nepal today. Our Embassies in Kathmandu & Beijing provided an updated picture in respect of the status and well-being of Indian nationals. The concerned MEA Divisions apprised us of the further relief supplies to be sent to Nepal. We give highest priority to this issue," the EAM posted on X.

The disaster unfolded on Wednesday morning after a catastrophic flash flood originated along the Tibet-Nepal border, channeling a massive wave of mud, boulders, and water through the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river networks. Local emergency authorities have retrieved 475 bodies from the deluge so far, according to reports in The Kathmandu Post.

Alongside Indian aid operations, Nepal's Cabinet granted approval to Krishi Samagri Company Limited to acquire 25,000 metric tons of DAP fertilizer from New Delhi under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement.

Indian officials remain on high alert as several citizens were stranded during the disaster. The Nepal Tourism Board reported that out of 117 tourists evacuated, 85 were Indian nationals, alongside 16 from China, nine from South Korea, two each from the US and Italy, and three unidentified individuals.

In one instance, a 28-member pilgrimage group heading for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra—including Visakhapatnam DLDA Chairman Gadu Venkatappa—narrowly avoided the flood zone. Venkatappa's brother, Garudappal Naidu, shared that the group had departed from Bhagalpur Airport on August 24 before schedule adjustments kept them out of harm's way.

Rescue teams face ongoing challenges due to secondary hazards. A barrier lake that formed near the confluence of the Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers reportedly breached on Friday. Rasuwa Chief District Officer Narendra Pariyar confirmed being alerted of the breach by the Nepali Army, prompting authorities to order fresh evacuations along the Trishuli riverbank. (ANI)