New Delhi, August 30: On August 26, a catastrophic flood struck the Bhotekoshi region of Nepal, causing significant loss of life and extensive damage to residential areas, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences to Nepal’s Prime Minister during a conversation on the same day. He emphasized India’s solidarity with Nepal and its readiness to provide all possible humanitarian assistance. Following this, on August 28, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar spoke with Nepal’s Foreign Minister.
So far, 108 Indian citizens have been rescued in Nepal, and contact has been re-established with nearly 50 others who were previously unreachable. Additionally, local government sources in China reported that 598 Indian nationals have safely crossed from China into Nepal over the past two days. Approximately 900 Indian citizens remain at the China border, but they are safe and reachable. Unfortunately, over 275 Indian citizens and 128 persons of Indian origin are still missing or uncontactable.
Many Indian nationals were among those affected by the sudden floods on both sides of the Nepal-China border. The Indian government is collaborating with Nepalese and Chinese authorities to expedite rescue and relief efforts for those impacted by the floods. A 24-hour control room has been established at the Ministry of External Affairs, and helplines are available at our embassies in Kathmandu and Beijing.
Our embassies in Kathmandu and Beijing are in constant communication with all relevant stakeholders to ensure effective coordination of search, rescue, and relief efforts for affected Indian citizens. Our missions are making continuous efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of rescued Indian nationals, facilitating their return to India where necessary, and monitoring the transit of Indian citizens returning from the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage through Nepal.
Furthermore, the Indian government has been in regular contact with relevant officials from the Nepalese government to provide necessary assistance. India has offered the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to aid Nepal’s search and rescue operations and has dispatched emergency relief supplies to Nepal via Indian Air Force aircraft. To date, three IAF planes have delivered approximately 57.5 tons of relief materials, with a fourth plane expected to depart for Kathmandu today.
On the day of the flood (August 26, 2026), an IAF C-130J Hercules aircraft delivered 10 tons of emergency supplies, including temporary shelters, blankets, sanitation kits, solar lamps, and medicines. The following morning, on August 27, an IAF C-17 Globemaster aircraft delivered 37.5 tons of relief supplies, including 28.5 tons of tents, blankets, sanitation kits, solar lamps, drainage pumps, kitchen sets, and generators, along with 8 tons of medicines and 1 ton of food.
On August 28, 2026, a C-130J Hercules aircraft airlifted a five-member tunneling rescue team and a six-member medical team, along with 10 tons of additional supplies, including portable generators, dignity kits, food, water purification tablets, and medicines. A technical team has begun work to assist with tunneling rescue operations in the affected area.
A fourth aircraft, a C-130J Hercules, is set to depart for Kathmandu today, carrying a 13-member tunneling rescue team equipped with specialized tools based on assessments from reconnaissance teams to support ongoing search and rescue efforts by Nepalese disaster response teams. Additionally, a 19-member forensic team will be sent to assist with DNA sample analysis for identifying bodies. The aircraft is also expected to carry relief supplies.
Targeted assistance is being mobilized in accordance with Nepal’s needs, including the deployment of a Bailey bridge and related technical teams to aid in restoring connectivity and relief efforts. A Bailey bridge is already available in Nepal and can be deployed in affected areas.
As neighbors, India and Nepal share a unique and close relationship based on civilizational ties and extensive people-to-people connections. The loss of many Indian lives has resonated deeply with the people of India, who stand in solidarity with Nepal during this tragic time, committed to providing all possible assistance.
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