• Source:JND
HighLights
  1. India stresses developed nations' lead in climate action.
  2. Nepal seeks global recognition of climate change impact.
  3. Over 1,295 dead in Nepal floods; recovery efforts ongoing.

Nepal Floods: Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Friday explained India's position on the climate change issue, following the Nepal flash floods that killed over 1,295 people, with hundreds still missing. Jaiswal said India has consistently maintained that climate change is a common challenge, and action in this regard must be based on the principle of common differentiated responsibilities.

On Nepal Foreign Minister's Remarks, the MEA Spokesperson said, "In particular, regarding the remarks that you (reporter) referred to, I understand that a clarification has also been issued by the Nepalese side. Having said that, let me say that India has consistently maintained that climate change is a common challenge, and action in this regard must be based on the principle of common differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, developed countries who historically are responsible for the emissions and have contributed overwhelmingly to the civil crisis, must take lead in reducing emissions and supporting developing countries by way of finance and technology transfer to meet this challenge."

In the wake of this tragedy, we have extended our solidarity and support to the government and people of Nepal. As a close friend and partner, India responded promptly, and we will continue to support the reconstruction and recovery efforts in the country, he added.

ALSO READ: 'No One Has Asked': Nepal FM Denies Seeking Climate Compensation From India, China, US For Devastating Floods

Nepal FM's U-Turn On Climate Compensation From India, China And US

Earlier in the day, Nepal Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal clarified that his government has not sought climate-related compensation from India, China, or the United States, saying Kathmandu's appeal is instead for the global community to recognise the wider impact of climate change on vulnerable nations rather than demanding direct financial reparations from some countries.

ALSO READ: Nepal Declares National Mourning On Sept 7; India To Conduct DNA Profiling Of Missing Victims' Kin As 1259 Dead

"Neither I nor anyone in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Government of Nepal has claimed or asked for compensation from India or any other country, including China or the United States. Our call has been for the global community to look at this disaster from the perspective of climate change and the impact it's having in Nepal. I've also mentioned that all three countries - China, India, and Nepal face and share similar environmental ecosystems. We are all impacted by climate change in the Himalayas as well," he elaborated.

Our call is for all these three countries to come together to be better prepared, but also for the global community to support and, particularly, to look at this disaster not just as a one-time event or to look at this as one-time support, but to think about the impact rising temperatures and climate change are having on communities across the world, he asserted, while speaking to news agency, ANI.

Nepal PM Shah Links Devastating Floods To Climate Change

On September 2, Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah said the devastation caused by the Bhotekoshi River floods was due to climate change and the responsibility to "manage and minimise" its effects also rests on the global community.

Shah said, "This incident shows the increasing risk the people of the mountain region have to bear with the occurrence of climate change."

"There is a global contribution behind climate change. And the responsibility to manage and minimise its effects also rests on the global community," the prime minister pointed out.

275 Indian Nationals Remain Missing: MEA

Two hundred seventy-five Indians remained missing while 166 others were rescued following the devastating flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border, the Ministry of External Affairs said. It said that 1,907 Indian nationals have safely crossed over to Nepal from China. "We deeply appreciate the efforts of the Nepalese authorities in this regard. So far, 166 Indian nationals have been rescued and 1,907 Indian nationals have safely crossed into Nepal from China," he said.

What Is The Current Situation Of Flood-Ravaged Nepal?

The death toll due to flash floods in Nepal rose to 1,295 on Friday as more bodies were recovered from the affected areas, while two men were rescued alive from a tunnel at the Trishuli 3A hydropower project after being trapped for nine days. The flash floods, triggered by an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, devastated towns and villages in northern and central Nepal, leaving a trail of destruction. So far, 1,293 bodies have been recovered from eight different districts across Nepal.

These include 359 bodies recovered in Chitwan district, 221 in Nawalparasi East, 212 in Nawalparasi West and 186 in Nuwakot. Similarly, 140 bodies were recovered in Rasuwa, 72 in Gorkha, 65 in Dhading and 38 from Tanahu, according to Nepal Police. With two victims of the flood dying in two different hospitals in Kathmandu on Friday, the death toll has risen to 1,295. The joint command of security forces is actively conducting search and rescue operations for the estimated 5,000 missing.

So far, 13,093 people have been rescued from the affected areas. The two men rescued alive from the tunnel were identified as Kabir Maharjan, 45, a mechanical supervisor on the project, and Sanjay Sah, 30, a foreman, according to the Public Relations Directorate of the Nepal Army.

(With Agencies Inputs)

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