Kathmandu, Sep 13: India has sent the first consignment of components for a 70-metre Bailey bridge to Nepal to help restore connectivity in the flood-hit Betrawati area, as part of its wider humanitarian assistance following the devastating August 26 flash floods.
The consignment was handed over to Nepal’s Road Division in Hetauda on Saturday, with additional consignments expected to arrive in the coming days, Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava said.
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu said the bridge would help restore connectivity in Betrawati, which was severely affected by the recent flash floods.
«“This bridge will help restore connectivity in Betrawati area that was affected by the recent flash flood in Nepal.”»
The August 26 floods, triggered by an ice-rock avalanche in the high Himalayas, caused widespread destruction in northern and central Nepal. Nearly 1,400 people were killed and more than 5,000 remained missing, according to the information provided.
A Bailey bridge is a portable, prefabricated modular steel truss structure that can be assembled rapidly without heavy machinery or specialised tools, making it suitable for restoring connectivity in disaster-hit areas.
India has expanded its assistance to Nepal beyond bridge components. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi has sent more than 130 tonnes of relief material and deployed 54 expert personnel for rescue, relief and forensic operations.
The assistance includes specialised tunnel and mud-rescue equipment, DNA kits, forensic equipment, temporary shelters, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps and medicines.
The Indian Air Force has also operated at least eight special flights to transport relief supplies to Nepal.
An Indian tunnel rescue team is working alongside the Nepal Army in search operations, while an Indian forensic team is assisting Nepali authorities in identifying the mortal remains of victims.
The Bailey bridge consignment is part of India’s broader commitment to support Nepal’s rescue, relief and recovery efforts as the Himalayan nation begins rebuilding critical infrastructure damaged by the floods.
