Kathmandu, August 31: The Indian Embassy in Nepal reported that an Indian tunnel rescue team joined forces with the Nepalese Army on Sunday to conduct search and rescue operations at hydropower tunnel sites in the Chilime and Langtang regions.
The Indian Embassy shared on the social media platform ‘X’, stating, “India’s tunnel rescue team is working alongside the Nepalese Army to carry out search and rescue operations at hydropower tunnel sites in Chilime and Langtang. This team will continue its operations in close coordination with the Nepalese Army.”
Meanwhile, a 19-member special forensic team from India began its work in Kathmandu on Sunday. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, this team will assist in analyzing DNA samples to identify the victims’ bodies.
The statement noted, “India’s Ambassador to Nepal (Navin Srivastava) met with the forensic team to provide them with information. Following this, the team engaged in discussions with their counterparts at the Central Forensic Science Laboratory of Nepal Police and the forensic department of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu.”
It further stated, “The tunnel rescue team continued its efforts today, collaborating with the Nepalese Army in search and rescue operations at hydropower sites in Chilime and Langtang. Despite adverse weather conditions, the team successfully entered a tunnel near the Langtang Hydroelectric Project and recovered one body. The team remains committed to its support operations near the Langtang Hydroelectric Project.”
The ministry also reported that by 9:30 PM on Sunday, local government sources indicated that 403 Indian citizens had safely entered Nepal from China.
It added that 500 Indian citizens are still in China and are safe. Earlier in the day, the fourth flight carrying relief materials for those affected by the devastating floods arrived in Kathmandu from India.
The Ministry of External Affairs stated, “The fourth flight, carrying 11 tons of relief materials, has arrived in Nepal and the supplies have been handed over to the relevant authorities as part of ongoing assistance following the catastrophic floods.”
This shipment includes a tunnel technical team equipped with search and rescue tools, as well as a team of forensic experts for DNA analysis. The relief materials consist of blankets, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, plastic sheets, and hygiene kits.
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