NDRF deploys nine teams in Bihar; remains on standby: IG Narendra Bundela on Nepal flood crisis

New Delhi: NDRF Inspector General (IG) Narendra Bundela on Thursday said that nine teams of the force have been deployed across vulnerable areas of Bihar in view of the flood situation, while the force remains on standby to extend assistance if required.

Speaking to IANS, Bundela said the Gandak River could affect parts of both Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

“The Gandak River affects both Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In Uttar Pradesh, Kushinagar, and in Bihar, the districts through which the Gandak flows before eventually merging with the Ganga could be affected. The state government is monitoring the situation,” he said.

“As several areas in Bihar could be affected, a total of nine teams have been deployed. Out of these, two teams have been deployed specifically for the Gandak River area,” Bundela added.

He said the NDRF was prepared to provide support if sought by the affected countries.

“If Nepal wants assistance, the NDRF is on standby. The government is providing humanitarian aid through military aircraft,” he told IANS.

Bundela said the deployment had been increased following an unprecedented flood situation in China and Nepal.

“After the Government of India received information about the flooding, the state government coordinated with the Central Water Commission to assess the possibility of flooding in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh,” he said.

He added that the Bihar Chief Minister has personally reviewed the situation on Wednesday, following which two additional NDRF teams were requested and deployed at two locations.

“In Uttar Pradesh, the Kushinagar area near Gorakhpur could be affected, so one team has been diverted there. If flooding occurs, the NDRF will respond according to the evacuation plan decided by the state government,” Bundela added.

Meanwhile, India on Thursday dispatched a second flight carrying 37.5 tonnes of humanitarian supplies, medicines, and food packets to support Nepal’s relief efforts after devastating flash floods that have left over 160 dead and hundreds missing.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar took to X and reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting Nepal in rescue and relief operations.

“A second flight has just taken off, carrying 37.5 tonnes of HADR material, medicines & food packets for Nepal,” EAM Jaishankar said in a post on X.

“India remains in close and continuous touch with the Nepalese authorities. We will continue to strongly support the ongoing relief efforts,” he added.

According to the latest official update, the bodies of 162 people swept away by a massive flash flood in Nepal’s Bhote Koshi River have been recovered as of Thursday morning. The remains were recovered from riverbanks in several downstream districts along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli River systems, including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitwan, Gorkha, Tanahu, Nawalparasi (East) and Nawalparasi West.

IANS