New Delhi, August 30: India continues to provide assistance to Nepal in the aftermath of devastating floods that struck the country on Wednesday. Various teams have been dispatched to Nepal for rescue operations. The Ministry of External Affairs shared an update on Saturday, confirming that contact has been reestablished with 50 Indian citizens, and a total of 108 individuals have been rescued.
According to the Ministry, as of August 29, by 10:30 PM, 108 Indian citizens had been rescued. The number of those contacted again stands at 50.
Additionally, local government sources report that 598 Indian citizens have safely entered Nepal from China. So far, 900 Indians have exited China, and all are safe, with the Indian Embassy in Beijing or local authorities maintaining contact with them.
The Ministry also reported that 275 Indian citizens are still missing, including 128 individuals of Indian origin.
Recent figures released by the Ministry indicate that a fourth flight carrying 11 tons of relief supplies has departed from India. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar announced on X, “The fourth flight has taken off with 11 tons of aid. The Indian Air Force’s C-130 aircraft is transporting a technical team and equipment for search and rescue operations. Forensic experts and forensic equipment for DNA analysis, along with relief supplies such as blankets, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, plastic sheets, and hygiene kits, are also being sent.”
He further stated that 16 trucks carrying equipment for a 230-foot single-lane modular steel bridge have reached Nepal. Equipment for seven additional Bailey bridges will be supplied soon, with technical teams expected to arrive shortly for installation.
So far, a total of 68.5 tons of relief materials, including essential medicines, portable generator sets, food packets, water purification tablets, and technical equipment, have been airlifted to Kathmandu.
Earlier, the Ministry reported that four more Indian citizens were rescued from a hydropower project in Rasuwa, Nepal. A six-member team of forensic experts from India arrived in Kathmandu on Saturday to assist in analyzing DNA samples for the identification of bodies.
The Ministry stated, “A special technical team for tunnel rescue arrived in Kathmandu yesterday and has commenced work today in the affected area. Based on their recommendations, a special tunnel rescue team from India is expected to arrive in Nepal today with equipment.”
Meanwhile, Nepal’s President Ram Chandra Paudel expressed gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu for her concern following the devastating flash floods in Nepal, which resulted in hundreds of deaths and widespread destruction.
–
Leave a Comment