Kathmandu, Aug 30: India has sent its fourth relief flight carrying 11 tonnes of essential supplies and technical teams to flood-hit Nepal as rescue and relief operations continue amid a massive death toll from the August 26 floods.
The latest consignment, flown to Kathmandu aboard an Indian Air Force C-130 aircraft, includes a tunnel technical team equipped with search-and-rescue equipment and forensic experts with equipment for DNA analysis to assist in the identification of victims.
“The fourth flight carrying 11 tonnes of relief supplies has arrived in Nepal, with the materials handed over to the concerned authorities as part of ongoing support following the devastating floods,” the Indian External Affairs Ministry said.
The relief material includes blankets, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, plastic sheets and hygiene kits, besides technical equipment.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said the flight carried essential supplies as well as technical capabilities required for Nepal’s ongoing rescue and relief operations.
“It brings essential supplies and technical capabilities to support Nepal’s ongoing rescue and relief operations,” Jaishankar said.
India has so far airlifted 68.5 tonnes of relief materials to Kathmandu, including essential medicines, portable generator sets, food packets, water purification tablets and technical equipment.
India is also assisting Nepal in restoring critical connectivity. Sixteen trucks carrying equipment for a 230-foot single-lane modular steel bridge have reached Nepal, Jaishankar said.
Equipment for the installation of seven more Bailey bridges will also be supplied soon, with technical teams expected to arrive shortly.
Meanwhile, Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) said the devastating floods of August 26 have claimed 734 lives, while 2,498 people remain out of contact, including 589 foreigners.
The scale of the disaster has prompted continued international assistance as rescue teams search affected areas and authorities work to identify victims and restore essential infrastructure.
“Our support to the relief and rescue efforts continues,” Jaishankar said.
