“I appeal to Prime Minister to provide assistance”: Mallikarjun Kharge expresses grief over Nepal flood tragedy

**Congress Leader Calls for Indian Government Assistance After Nepal Floods**

*Bengaluru, Karnataka – August 27, 2026* – In the wake of flash floods that have devastated parts of Nepal, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge appealed to the Indian government to extend all possible assistance to Indian nationals who are stranded or missing in the neighboring country.

The floods, triggered by a sudden surge in the Bhote Koshi River after a debris‑laden torrent from the Lhende Khola entered the river, have caused extensive loss of life and damage to infrastructure. According to sources at the Nepalese embassy, at least 175 bodies have been recovered, while many others remain unaccounted for. The disaster has affected the Rasuwagadhi, Timure and Syaphru Besi areas, destroying dozens of bridges and roads and damaging homes, hydropower facilities and other critical infrastructure.

The United Nations and Nepalese authorities estimate that around 476 people from 28 countries are missing, although the figures are still being verified as search‑and‑rescue operations continue. Nepal’s security forces are conducting rescue missions using helicopters and ground teams, and are providing medical aid, temporary shelters, food, water and medicines to those affected.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Kharge expressed “immense grief” over the loss of life and said that full support should be extended to the families of the victims. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide assistance to those whose status is unknown, stating, “For the families currently in distress, full support must be extended to alleviate their suffering.” Kharge said he would write a formal letter to the Prime Minister outlining the request for assistance.

Congress MP Pawan Khera also commented on the tragedy, noting the suddenness of the disaster and expressing concern for Indian citizens still missing. He highlighted the need for coordinated rescue efforts and urged that every possible measure be taken to locate and repatriate the missing individuals.

India has already dispatched a second humanitarian assistance flight to Nepal, carrying 37.5 tonnes of relief material, medicines and food packets, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has set up helpline numbers for assistance—+977 985 131 6807, +977 970 910 7500, and +977 981 032 6117—which are also reachable via WhatsApp.

The flash floods were reportedly caused by a suspected glacier or ice‑rock collapse near the Rasuwagadhi border point, which sent a massive surge of water and debris into the Bhote Koshi River. The resulting flash flood has been described as one of the most severe natural disasters to hit Nepal in recent years.

The Indian government has not yet announced any additional measures beyond the recent humanitarian aid flight, but officials are expected to respond to Kharge’s appeal in the coming days.

*Source: ANI, reported by India Gazette*

Article and image source: indiagazette.com