Bangladesh is ready to take appropriate measures to bring back Bangladeshi nationals from Nepal if any are found to have been affected by the devastating flash floods and landslides, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman said on Thursday.

He said there is so far no report of any Bangladeshi being killed or injured in the disaster.

Asked whether any Bangladeshis had been affected, Dr Khalilur Rahman said Bangladesh had specifically informed Nepal that Dhaka would extend full cooperation and take appropriate measures to bring back any Bangladeshi nationals found affected, whether alive or dead.

“There were foreign tourists there when the incident happened,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, adding that the government had not yet received any names or confirmed information regarding Bangladeshi casualties.

“So far, there is no report of any Bangladeshi that died or got injured in this disaster. However, some Bangladeshis got stuck on the highway (Kathmandu-Pokhara) due to a temporary road blockage, which they finally overcame, reaching their destinations,” a diplomat stationed at the Bangladesh Mission in Kathmandu told a local media.

At least 270 people have been killed and hundreds remain missing after flash floods and a mudslide along the Nepal-Tibet border swept away villages and damaged roads and other infrastructure.

The flooding struck early Wednesday in Rasuwa, just north of Nepal’s capital Kathmandu.

The US Geological Survey confirmed that the disaster was caused by a glacial collapse and debris flow.

The Foreign Minister said he held a telephone conversation with Nepalese Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal over the tragic floods and conveyed the personal condolence message of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah.

“We have offered them all-out cooperation,” he said.

Asked whether Bangladesh had kept any flights ready for a possible evacuation or repatriation, Dr Khalilur said such arrangements could not be made in advance without knowing the situation on the ground and Nepal’s requirements.

“We are ready,” he said.

The Foreign Minister reiterated that Bangladesh would take necessary measures as soon as confirmed information about affected Bangladeshi nationals becomes available.

On behalf of the people and government of Bangladesh, he expressed his deepest condolences and profound sorrow over the devastating flash floods and landslides that have struck Nepal.

Terming the disaster a “terrible tragedy”, Dr Khalilur said Bangladesh’s thoughts and prayers were with the families who had lost their loved ones.

He also mentioned that there had been no reported casualty of any Bangladeshi national so far and sought the Nepalese government’s support if any such unfortunate incident involving a Bangladeshi national is discovered, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Foreign Minister conveyed that the Prime Minister of Bangladesh stands in full solidarity with the government and people of Nepal at this difficult time. He also said Bangladesh is ready to provide any support Nepal may require.

Dr Khalilur said the Nepalese government was still assessing the extent of the damage and determining what kind of assistance was needed.

He said the Nepalese Foreign Minister was expected to inform Bangladesh about the situation and any specific needs later today or tomorrow (Friday).

The Nepalese Foreign Minister thanked Bangladesh for the warm gesture of solidarity at the difficult hour.

He said Nepalese authorities were still assessing the damage and would get back to Bangladesh with details of specific needs after completing a full assessment of the grave situation, should they require support.

The two foreign ministers also discussed the ongoing search, rescue and relief operations following the disaster.

Dr Khalilur Rahman said Bangladesh was prepared to respond once Nepal provided details of the assistance required.

He added that the Nepalese Foreign Minister had expressed a similar commitment to cooperate with Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu has been closely following developments and assessing the post-flood situation in coordination with Nepal’s Foreign Ministry, a senior official told the media.

The embassy has conveyed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s condolences and solidarity with the government and resilient people of Nepal, as well as his government’s keen desire and willingness to extend any assistance and support required, including relief materials for people affected by the floods.