New Delhi- Congress National President, Mallikarjun Kharge, has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, expressing devastation caused by the flash floods in Nepal and urging the government to extend every possible assistance to those affected by the tragedy.
Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said that the bodies of 579 people swept away by the floods had so far been recovered. In comparison, 1, 924 people remained out of contact as of Friday evening.
In his letter to the Prime Minister, Kharge said that he is "deeply concerned" about the devastating floods in Nepal. He also cited recent media reports and said that over 500 people have been confirmed dead and nearly 1, 000 people are still unaccounted for. He said that the disaster has left thousands of people in dire urgent need of food, medicines, shelter and other essential assistance.
"I request you to ensure that adequate humanitarian and relief assistance is provided to the affected people of Nepal in coordination with the Government of Nepal, " Kharge said.
The Congress chief also expressed concern over the Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin who are stranded in Nepal due to the floods and said, "It is requested that requisite directions are issued to the concerned authorities to intensify rescue and evacuation efforts and make all necessary arrangements for their safe and early return to India."
"I am also concerned about the Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin stranded or uncontactable in Nepal. As per the latest information from the Ministry of External Affairs, around 320 Indian nationals remain uncontactable, " Kharge said, while expressing hope that the Centre will take immediate steps to provide all possible assistance during this difficult time.
In his letter to Amit Shah, Kharge said that India must stand firmly with "our neighbours and extend every possible assistance to those affected by this devastating calamity".
"I urge the Government to consider extending immediate and comprehensive humanitarian and disaster-relief assistance to Nepal. In particular, the deployment of teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), wherever required and in coordination with the Government of Nepal, may be considered to assist in rescue, evacuation and relief operations in the affected areas, " he said.
"The NDRF's expertise and experience in responding to natural disasters can provide valuable support in efforts to save lives and bring urgent relief to those facing this immense tragedy, " Kharge added.
Meanwhile, the third flight with assistance and an 11-member medical and tunnel rescue team has reached Nepal from India on Friday.
The flight was carrying 10 tonnes of humanitarian assistance, including portable generator sets, dignity kits, food packets and water purification tablets.
Additionally, India on Thursday handed over the second consignment of 37.5 tonnes of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) material, medicines and food packets to Nepal to support the Himalayan nation in relief and rescue efforts following the deadly floods.