India has stepped up humanitarian assistance to Nepal following devastating flash floods, with an eighth Indian Air Force (IAF) flight carrying relief supplies reaching Kathmandu on Wednesday to support ongoing rescue and relief operations.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India has dispatched eight special flights carrying more than 130 tonnes of humanitarian assistance, equipment and other relief supplies to Nepal since August 26. The assistance includes the deployment of 54 Indian experts to support rescue, relief and forensic operations being undertaken by Nepali authorities.
The relief material sent by India includes temporary shelters, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps and medicines. In addition, specialized equipment has been provided to address the challenges arising from the disaster, including tunnel and mud rescue gear such as mud rescue suits, gas detectors, breathing apparatus and inflatable walkways.
The MEA said that India has also supplied portable generator sets, lighting towers and dewatering pumps to assist rescue teams operating in difficult conditions. DNA kits, reagents and other equipment required for DNA profiling have been provided to support forensic identification efforts.
An Indian specialized tunnel rescue team initially began operations in coordination with the Nepali Army at two locations, Chilime and Langtang. The search operation is currently concentrated at Chilime, where difficult terrain, limited access and the slope of the tunnel have posed significant challenges.
Despite the difficult conditions, the Indian rescue team has continued its efforts and made progress through manual operations and innovative techniques. To facilitate the deployment of heavy machinery, including an excavator, a makeshift access track is being constructed to reach the tunnel.
Construction of the track is progressing and is expected to be completed within the next two to three days. The access route is expected to enable the rescue teams to intensify search and recovery operations at the site.
Meanwhile, an Indian forensic team is working in two laboratories in Kathmandu to examine and analyse DNA samples in coordination with experts from Nepalese authorities. The forensic laboratory equipment, DNA kits and reagents supplied by India are supporting the ongoing identification and forensic examination process.
The MEA said that India remains committed to providing all possible assistance to the people and Government of Nepal and will continue to support rescue, relief and recovery efforts in the country.
