New Delhi: The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) on Thursday said the devastating flash floods in Nepal have not caused any adverse impact in the border areas of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh so far, though authorities are continuing to closely monitor the situation.
NDRF Inspector General Narendra Singh Bundela said 20 teams have been deployed across the two states, including nine in Bihar and 11 in Uttar Pradesh, to respond quickly in case of flooding or waterlogging.
One NDRF team has also been stationed in Kushinagar district near Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh.
Valmiki Nagar Barrage Under Watch
Bundela said the situation along the India-Nepal border is being tracked in coordination with the Bihar and Uttar Pradesh governments as well as other agencies.
The Central Water Commission is also continuously monitoring water levels and providing updates.
In Bihar, particular attention is being paid to the Valmiki Nagar barrage in West Champaran district on the Gandak river, which is the first major barrage along the India-Nepal border in the area.
According to the NDRF, there has been no impact from the Nepal flash floods at the barrage so far.
India Sends Humanitarian Aid To Nepal
India has meanwhile sent two aircraft carrying Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) material, including medicines, to Nepal on Wednesday and Thursday.
The assistance comes after massive flash floods struck several parts of Nepal on Wednesday, leaving widespread destruction.
The death toll in Nepal has risen to 165, while several people, including more than 300 Indian tourists, remain unaccounted for.
Four NDRF Teams On Standby For Nepal
Bundela said four additional NDRF teams are on standby in Ghaziabad and can be deployed to Nepal if Kathmandu formally requests assistance from the Government of India.
The teams would be airlifted from the Hindon Indian Air Force station for rescue operations in the neighbouring country.
For now, the NDRF said preparedness levels remain high in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, with teams positioned to respond if the flood situation worsens along the border.
