New Delhi: India has dispatched another 11 tonnes of humanitarian relief material to flood-hit Nepal as the neighbouring country continues large-scale search, rescue and relief operations following devastating floods and landslides.
The latest consignment includes medicines, forensic supplies, tents, hygiene kits, sleeping bags and other essential items.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India remains committed to supporting Nepal’s recovery and highlighted the latest assistance under the government’s Neighbourhood First policy.
Nepal continues to conduct search and rescue operations across several affected districts. According to data released by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) on September 18, the death toll has reached 1,410, including 525 recovered human remains.
The highest number of deaths have been reported from Chitwan with 364, followed by Nawalparasi East with 232, Nawalparasi West with 222, Nuwakot with 202 and Rasuwa with 199.
The disaster authority said 6,055 people remain missing, while 13,756 people have been rescued.
Eighteen people are currently undergoing treatment at six hospitals, while security forces have provided medical assistance to nearly 9,984 people.
Nepal’s security forces have deployed 20,929 personnel for relief and rescue operations. Helicopter operations are also continuing in areas that remain difficult to access.
The Nepal Army has conducted 1,651 helicopter flights so far, including 17 flights on September 18, while the Armed Police Force has carried out 320 flights to affected areas.
India’s Continued Relief Efforts
India’s latest assistance is part of a series of humanitarian consignments sent to Nepal since the floods struck in late August.
On September 9, India’s eighth relief flight carrying 35 tonnes of relief and rescue supplies reached Kathmandu. The consignment included tunnel rescue equipment and forensic materials.
Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava said the supplies were handed over to Nepalese authorities.
The Ministry of External Affairs had earlier said the eighth Indian Air Force aircraft carried National Disaster Response Force equipment, rescue gear, forensic supplies and replenishment material for Indian Army teams involved in relief and rescue operations.
An Indian team has also been assisting the Nepal Army in search and rescue operations at the Chilime tunnel in Rasuwa.
India’s relief operation began on August 26, when the first aircraft arrived in Nepal carrying 10 tonnes of assistance, including temporary shelters, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps and medicines.
A second flight carrying 37.5 tonnes of relief material followed on August 27, with supplies including tents, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps, dewatering pumps, kitchen sets, generators, medicines and food items.
Subsequent consignments included specialised search-and-rescue equipment and forensic capabilities. On August 30, India sent 11 tonnes of relief assistance, including a technical rescue contingent and forensic experts for DNA analysis.
On September 2, an aircraft carried an 11-member rescue team, specialised equipment and 5.5 tonnes of essential medicines. Two more C-130J flights reached Kathmandu on September 4 with a combined 21.5 tonnes of humanitarian assistance, including forensic kits and medical supplies.
Meanwhile, Nepal continues to transport food and other relief materials to affected districts by road and air. NDRRMA said government and non-government agencies, private organisations, development partners and civil society groups are participating in the relief effort.
The disaster authority said 502 gas cylinders have been sent to affected areas, while 23 holding centres are currently accommodating displaced people, including 611 in Nuwakot, 231 in Rasuwa and 121 in Dhading.
The latest Indian assistance comes as authorities in India and Nepal continue to focus on search and rescue operations, medical support, identification of victims and delivery of essential supplies to communities affected by the disaster.
[DD News]