NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that that India, as a “friendly neighbour and first responder,” will remain committed to providing assistance to Nepal following heavy rains and landslides claimed over 40 lives.In a social media post on X, PM Modi said, “The loss of lives and damage caused by heavy rains in Nepal is distressing. We stand with the people and Government of Nepal in this difficult time.” “As a friendly neighbour and first responder, India remains committed to providing any assistance that may be required,” he added.Continuous downpour was reported in Kathmandu and other parts of the country since Friday night, as the monsoon has become active, the authorities said.As many as 37 people were killed in different places of Ilam district in Koshi province due to landslides following heavy rainfall on Saturday night, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) said in a press release.Of the 37, eight people each were killed in Deumai and Maijogmai municipalities, six each in Ilam municipality and Sandakpur rural municipality, five in Suryodaya municipality, three in Mangsebung and one in Fakfokthum village, according to the NDRRMA. Separately, three people were killed as they were hit by lightning in Rautahat district on Sunday morning. Similarly, seven people were injured in the incidents of lightning in different places across Nepal.One person died in Panchthar due to landslide and one each were killed in Khotang and Udayapur districts as they were swept away by floods, said the official.Four people have gone missing from Rasuwa district as they were swept away by floods. A person buried in landslide in Panchthar district has also gone missing.Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force personnel were involved in carrying out rescue operations.On Saturday, Nepalese authorities restricted the entry and exit of vehicles from Kathmandu due to incessant rainfall and the possibility of landslides for the next three days.The NDRRMA issued a notice saying restrictions have been put on vehicles entering and exiting Kathmandu Valley from Saturday to Monday.The authorities also asked people not to operate long route vehicles for the next three days unless in an emergency.A red alert was issued for areas around the Bagmati and East Rapti rivers.
