New Delhi, Aug 29 (IANS) The Congress on Saturday sent its deepest condolences and expressed solidarity with the people of Nepal following the devastation caused by the flash floods, which have claimed over 650 lives and have left hundreds missing. The party said that India is ready to assist the Himalayan nation as a "trusted partner" in times of crisis.

According to Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), a total of 626 bodies recovered from the floods had been collected as of Saturday at 10 a.m.

In a statement, the Congress party said, "On behalf of the people of India, the Indian National Congress conveys our deepest condolences and solidarity with the people of Nepal in the wake of the devastating flash floods that have claimed hundreds of lives and caused severe economic and humanitarian damage. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families and all those still awaiting news of their loved ones."

Stressing the long-standing ties with the neighbouring nation, the party said, "India and Nepal share a civilisational bond that predates the modern nation-state, rooted in common faith, culture, and the Himalayan ecology that has bound our peoples for millennia.

"It was Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru who first institutionalised this kinship through the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship, envisioning a relationship defined by openness and mutual care."

"The Indian people are ready to assist tangibly in a way that the people of Nepal see fit, and we will continue to be a trusted partner of Nepal as it steers through this crisis," Congress added.

Meanwhile, India has rushed tonnes of emergency humanitarian aid and specialised rescue teams to Nepal following catastrophic flash floods.

Earlier in the day, Nepalese President Ramchandra Paudel expressed gratitude for the support extended by the Indian government following the devastating flash floods in Nepal that left hundreds dead and caused widespread destruction. He also thanked his Indian counterpart, Droupadi Murmu, for her concern.

President Paudel also conveyed condolences over the tragic loss of Indian lives in the aftermath of the catastrophic flood on Wednesday.

The massive flash flood that struck Nepal on Wednesday originated in the Tibetan region of China. It swept through the transboundary Bhote Koshi River, leaving a trail of destruction in the country.

The bodies are being recovered from riverbanks in several downstream districts along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems, including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading. Chitwan, Gorkha, Tanahun, Nawalparasi (East) and Nawalparasi (West).

The officials said that the death toll is expected to rise as the search and rescue operations continue.

--IANS