Why in news
- India extended Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to Nepal following severe flash floods in border districts.
Disaster Event and Location
- Flash floods struck Rasuwa and Nuwakot regions along the Nepal-Tibet border, damaging key infrastructure including the Trishuli-I Hydropower Project.
- Flooding was caused by an avalanche that temporarily blocked the Lhende tributary of the Bhotekoshi River, leading to a sudden breach and water surge.
India's Relief Response
- Indian military transport aircraft dispatched 37.5 tonnes of HADR emergency supplies, medical material, and essential goods to Nepal.
- India's Ministry of External Affairs coordinated search and rescue assistance for uncontactable Indian nationals working on local infrastructure projects.
Why it matters
- Demonstrates India's Neighbourhood First policy and role as the primary HADR provider in South Asia.
- Highlights extreme weather vulnerabilities in trans-boundary Himalayan river basins.
Key terms
HADR
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief provided by defence forces or civilian agencies during natural or human-made disasters.
Bhotekoshi River
A major upper tributary of the Sun Kosi River originating in Tibet and flowing through northern Nepal.
Prelims facts
- Bhotekoshi River originates in Tibet and flows into Nepal, forming a key upper catchment of the Kosi river system.
Mains discussion
- Discuss India's HADR diplomacy in building neighbourhood resilience against climate-induced disasters in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Source: LiveMint News