Centre on Alert as Nepal Flash Flood Threatens Bihar, UP; Shah Reviews Preparedness
India is closely monitoring a Nepal flash flood that could affect Bihar and UP via the Gandak river; Amit Shah spoke to CMs and NDRF is on alert.
The Union government is keeping a close watch on the situation arising from a flash flood in Nepal, with the impact expected to travel downstream through the Gandak river into Indian territory. A Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) spokesperson said on Wednesday that authorities are on high alert in border areas likely to be affected.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with the chief ministers of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh to review preparedness. In a post on X, he expressed deep sorrow over the devastation caused by the floods in Nepal and offered condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. He reiterated India's solidarity with Nepal during the crisis.
The MHA spokesperson said local administrations, rescue teams, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been placed on high alert in vulnerable areas along the India-Nepal border. The alert follows an advisory from the Central Water Commission (CWC) and media reports indicating a sudden rise in the water level of the Trishuli river at Furke Khola in Nepal, about 160 km from the Indian border.
The rise has been attributed to a suspected flash flood or glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) near the Nepal-China border. Officials from the MHA, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Jal Shakti, and Ministry of Defence are continuously monitoring the situation.
The CWC has informed the Centre that water levels in reservoirs on the Nepalese side are receding, and the situation is currently under control.