12 Karnataka Residents Affected by Nepal Floods, Officials to Visit Kathmandu: Karnataka DyCM Parameshwara

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara on Friday said that 12 people from the state were currently affected by the devastating floods in Nepal, while authorities were working to determine whether more Karnataka residents had been stranded in the disaster-hit region.

Parameshwara said Karnataka government officials would be sent to Kathmandu to gather detailed information and coordinate further action. The state government was also collecting details of affected residents, including their locations and contact information, to facilitate rescue and evacuation efforts in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian authorities in Nepal.

The flooding, which struck parts of Nepal near the border with Tibet earlier this week, has triggered a major humanitarian crisis. Rescue operations have been complicated by damaged roads, infrastructure and the continuing threat of further flooding, with official casualty and missing-person figures continuing to change.

Addressing other issues, Parameshwara said 101 taluks in Karnataka have been identified as drought-affected following a review of the rainfall situation. He said the government would review conditions again after 15 days, with more taluks potentially being added to the list.

The state will prepare a detailed memorandum for submission to the Union government, after which central teams are expected to assess the drought situation before relief assistance is considered.

On farmers' debt, the Deputy Chief Minister said he would urge the Centre to consider a nationwide farm loan waiver, noting that several states were facing drought conditions.

Parameshwara also defended Karnataka Minister B. Nagendra amid Opposition demands for his resignation, maintaining that the government was prepared to answer questions in the Assembly. The controversy surrounding Nagendra has intensified in recent days, with the BJP and JD(S) continuing to press for his removal over allegations linked to the Valmiki Corporation case.