New Delhi, August 26: The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has alerted its formations deployed along the India-Nepal border following a flash flood in Nepal on Wednesday morning and placed its rescue and relief teams on standby for emergency operations.
The SSB has alerted 11 Rescue and Relief Teams (RRTs) for immediate deployment in rescue and relief operations, while seven additional teams have been kept on standby.
A senior SSB official said the teams have been prepared to assist state governments and local administrations in rescue, relief and other emergency response operations, if required.
The alert was issued amid forecasts of increased water flow in the Koshi and Narayani river basins and the possibility of flash floods in smaller rivers across Nepal.
The SSB is also monitoring vulnerable areas along the Ghaghara, Karnali and Mahakali river systems in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand in view of the possibility of increased water discharge and flooding.
SSB battalions deployed along the India-Nepal border have been directed to maintain surveillance and remain in coordination with civil administrations. The force is monitoring developments on both sides of the border and keeping its rescue and relief resources ready for mobilisation.
The preparedness measures come amid concerns over the downstream impact of rainfall and rising river levels originating in Nepal.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary over the phone regarding the flood threat in the state following rainfall and a reported glacier burst in Nepal.
Shah assured the Bihar government of assistance from the Centre and directed authorities to take necessary preparedness measures. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is also being mobilised to assist state authorities if required.
Authorities in Bihar have stepped up preparedness measures as several rivers flowing into the state originate in Nepal, including the Gandak, also known as the Narayani, and the Kosi.
At least eight people were reported killed after flash floods hit parts of Nepal on Wednesday, damaging roads, bridges and power infrastructure in areas near the Tibet border.
Local reports said several people remained unaccounted for after a rise in the Bhote Koshi River affected parts of Nuwakot and Dhading districts. The floodwaters were reported to have originated from the Tibetan side of the border.
The situation remains under monitoring, with authorities in India and Nepal preparing for possible changes in river flows and flood conditions in border and downstream areas.