Nepal floods: Mallikarjun Kharge writes to PM Modi and Amit Shah, urges every possible aid and rescue support

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah urging the government to extend all possible humanitarian assistance to Nepal following the devastating flash floods that have killed hundreds of people and left thousands unaccounted forKharge also raised concerns about Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin who remain stranded or uncontactable in Nepal and called for intensified rescue and evacuation efforts to ensure their safe returnThe appeal comes as Nepal continues search and relief operations after widespread flash floods caused extensive destruction across parts of the countryNepal flood death toll rises as thousands remain uncontactableNepals National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said the bodies of 579 people swept away by the floods had been recovered so farAs of Friday evening 1924 people remained out of contact according to the authorityThe disaster has caused widespread damage and left many affected communities in need of food medicines shelter and other essential suppliesIn his letter to Modi Kharge said he was deeply concerned about the scale of the devastation in Nepal Referring to media reports he noted that hundreds of people had been confirmed dead and a large number remained unaccounted forKharge seeks humanitarian and relief support for NepalKharge urged the Centre to coordinate with the Nepal government and provide adequate humanitarian and relief assistance to people affected by the disasterI 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 saidHe said the scale of the disaster had created an urgent need for food medicines shelter and other essential assistanceThe Congress president said India should extend support to Nepal as rescue and relief agencies continue operations in areas affected by the floodingConcern over Indians stranded or uncontactable in NepalKharge also highlighted concerns about Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin who have been affected by the floodsIt 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 he saidI 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 saidHe expressed hope that the Centre would take immediate steps to provide all possible assistance and strengthen efforts to trace and evacuate those affectedCongress chief urges consideration of NDRF deploymentIn his letter to Shah Kharge said India should stand with Nepal and provide comprehensive assistance to those affected by the floodsI urge the Government to consider extending immediate and comprehensive humanitarian and disasterrelief 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 saidThe NDRFs 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 addedHe said specialised disaster response teams could assist Nepalese authorities in areas where additional technical expertise was requiredIndia sends more relief material and specialised rescue personnelMeanwhile India has continued to send humanitarian assistance to Nepal as rescue and relief operations continueThe third flight carrying assistance and an 11member medical and tunnel rescue team reached Nepal from India on FridayThe consignment included 10 tonnes of humanitarian assistance comprising portable generator sets dignity kits food packets and water purification tabletsIndia had earlier sent additional relief supplies to Nepal On Thursday the second consignment of 375 tonnes of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief material medicines and food packets was handed over to support rescue and relief operationsWith inputs from IANS