NEW DELHI, Aug. 29: India has stepped up humanitarian assistance and search-and-rescue efforts in Nepal following the devastating flash floods that struck the Bhote Koshi area on Aug. 26, causing heavy loss of life and extensive damage to homes, roads, bridges and other infrastructure downstream.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to his Nepali counterpart on Aug. 26 and conveyed his deepest condolences, assuring that India stood in solidarity with Nepal and was ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar subsequently spoke with Nepal’s Foreign Minister on Aug. 28.
The Indian government said it has been working closely with both Nepali and Chinese authorities to rescue and assist Indian nationals affected by the disaster on either side of the Nepal-China border.
So far, 108 Indian nationals have been rescued in Nepal, while contact has been re-established with around 50 others who were previously uncontactable. According to local Chinese government sources, 598 Indian nationals have safely crossed into Nepal from China over the past two days. Around 900 Indian nationals remain on the Chinese side and are reported to be safe and in contact with authorities.
However, more than 275 Indian nationals and 128 persons of Indian origin remain missing or uncontactable, according to the statement.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has established a round-the-clock control room, while the Indian Embassies in Kathmandu and Beijing are operating 24/7 helplines. The missions are coordinating with relevant authorities and stakeholders on search, rescue and relief operations and facilitating the safe return of rescued Indian nationals to India where required.
The Indian missions are also monitoring and facilitating the transit through Nepal of Indian nationals returning from the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.
India deploys rescue and medical teams
India has offered the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to support Nepal’s search-and-rescue operations and has mobilised immediate humanitarian assistance through the Indian Air Force.
So far, three IAF aircraft have transported around 57.5 tonnes of relief materials to Nepal, with a fourth sortie scheduled for Kathmandu.
An IAF C-130J Hercules transported 10 tonnes of emergency supplies on Aug. 26, the day the flash floods struck. The consignment included temporary shelters, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps and medicines.
The following morning, an IAF C-17 Globemaster carried 37.5 tonnes of relief supplies, including tents, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps, dewatering pumps, kitchen sets, generators, medicines and food items.
On Aug. 28, another C-130J transported a five-member Indian Army tunnel-rescue reconnaissance team and a six-member medical team, along with a further 10 tonnes of relief materials, including portable generators, dignity kits, food, water-purification tablets and medicines.
The Indian Army technical team began work in the affected area to assist Nepal’s ongoing tunnel-rescue efforts.
A fourth C-130J sortie is scheduled to carry a 13-member specialist Indian Army tunnel-rescue team with specialised equipment, based on the assessment of the reconnaissance team already deployed on the ground. The team will support Nepal’s disaster-response personnel engaged in search and rescue.
India is also sending a 19-member contingent comprising six forensic teams to assist in analysing DNA samples and identifying mortal remains. The aircraft is also expected to carry additional relief supplies.
Bailey bridges to support connectivity
India said further targeted assistance is being mobilised based on Nepal’s requirements. This includes Bailey bridges and associated technical teams to help restore damaged connectivity and support relief operations.
One Bailey bridge has already arrived in Nepal and is available for deployment in the affected areas.
The Indian government said the assistance reflects the close and special relationship between the two countries, rooted in civilizational ties and extensive people-to-people connections.
“With many Indian nationals having also lost their lives, the people of India share in the grief caused by these devastating flash floods,” the statement said, reaffirming that India stands in solidarity with Nepal and remains committed to providing all possible assistance during this tragic time.