Kathmandu, Aug 2026 : Nepal President Ramchandra Paudel on Saturday thanked his Indian counterpart Droupadi Murmu for expressing concern and extending support following the devastating flash floods that struck Nepal, killing hundreds of people and causing widespread destruction.
In a message posted by the Office of the President of Nepal on X, Paudel expressed gratitude to the Indian government and people for their solidarity and assistance during the crisis.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of Nepal, I extend our deepest gratitude to Your Excellency Smt Droupadi Murmu for your kind concern and also for the generous support and solidarity extended by your government following the recent calamity in Nepal,” Paudel said.
The Nepalese President also conveyed his condolences to India over the deaths of Indian nationals in the disaster. He expressed sympathy to the Indian government and people following the loss of lives in the catastrophic floods that struck Nepal on August 26.
“We also offer our heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Government and the people of India for the tragic loss of Indian lives in the disaster of August 26, 2026,” he said.
The expression of gratitude came as India continued its efforts to assist Nepal in dealing with the aftermath of the disaster. The Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday that 149 Indian nationals had safely crossed into Nepal from China, while 320 people remained missing or could not be contacted following the floods.
The scale of the disaster remained severe, with the death toll reaching 616 by Saturday morning, according to local media reports citing officials. Search and rescue operations continued across several affected districts as authorities attempted to locate missing people and provide assistance to those stranded by the floods.
The massive flash flood that struck Nepal’s Rasuwa district originated in the Tibetan region of China before sweeping through the transboundary Bhote Koshi River. The resulting flooding caused extensive damage to roads, bridges and other infrastructure and affected several downstream areas.
India had responded quickly to the disaster. President Murmu on Wednesday expressed solidarity with Nepal and assured the Himalayan nation of New Delhi’s readiness to provide assistance for relief and rescue operations.
“I convey my deepest sympathies to Rt Hon President Mr. Ramchandra Paudel and the people of Nepal on the devastation caused by the flash floods today. We express our solidarity with Nepal at this difficult hour. India stands ready to support the relief and rescue efforts of the Government of Nepal for those affected by this calamity,” the President’s Secretariat posted on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Wednesday and conveyed his condolences over the loss of lives caused by the floods.
“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,” Modi said in a post on X.
He further assured Nepal of India’s continued assistance, saying, “India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance to Nepal. Our teams are coordinating closely on rescue and relief efforts.”
The latest exchange between the two Presidents underscores the close ties between India and Nepal as rescue and relief operations continue in the flood-hit areas. With hundreds still missing and infrastructure severely damaged, authorities in both countries remain focused on supporting affected people and facilitating the safe movement of stranded nationals.
