NEW DELHI, AUG 30 (SHABD): The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said that 108 Indian nationals have been rescued so far in Nepal following a flash flood tragedy on Wednesday.
In a social media post, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said contact had been re-established with around 50 Indian nationals who were earlier uncontactable. The Ministry said 275 Indian nationals are reportedly missing, while around 128 people of Indian origin holding other nationalities also remain missing.
According to a local government source, 598 Indian nationals crossed into Nepal from China over the last two days. Meanwhile, 900 Indian nationals who are yet to depart from China are safe, and the Indian Embassy in Beijing is in touch with them directly or through the local government.
The Ministry added that the Government of India has been working in close coordination with the Nepali and Chinese authorities for the early rescue and relief of those affected by the floods. A round-the-clock control room has been established at the Ministry of External Affairs, while the Indian Embassies in Kathmandu and Beijing have 24/7 helplines operational.
It said both embassies have remained engaged with all relevant stakeholders to ensure effective coordination of search, rescue and relief efforts. The Government of India has offered the National Disaster Response Force to support Nepal’s search and rescue operations and has also mobilised immediate humanitarian assistance, with Indian Air Force aircraft carrying emergency relief material to Nepal.
Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar said that a fourth aircraft sortie, a C-130J Hercules carrying 11 tonnes of assistance, was sent to Kathmandu on Saturday.
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In a social media post, Jaishankar said the aircraft was carrying a 13-member Indian Army tunnel rescue team with specialist equipment, based on the reconnaissance team’s on-ground assessment, to assist Nepali disaster response teams in the ongoing search and rescue efforts.
In addition, a 19-member contingent comprising six forensic teams is being sent to assist in the analysis of DNA samples for the identification of mortal remains.
A total of 68.5 tonnes of relief material, comprising essential medicines, portable generator sets, food packets, water purification tablets and technical equipment, has been airlifted to Kathmandu so far.
The Minister said that, additionally, 16 trucks carrying equipment for a 230-foot single-lane modular steel bridge have reached Nepal. Equipment for the installation of seven more Bailey bridges will be supplied soon, while technical teams for their installation are expected to arrive shortly.
