India Intensifies Rescue and Forensic Support as Flood Crisis Deepens in Nepal

India has intensified its rescue, relief and forensic assistance to Nepal as the neighbouring country continues to grapple with the devastating impact of flash floods and landslides. An Indian joint technical team is continuing dewatering and slush-removal operations at a tunnel in the Chilime area of flood-hit Nepal, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in its latest update. Rescue personnel are using specialised techniques to clear the affected tunnel, but difficult terrain and restricted access have made the operation challenging.

The slope inside the tunnel and limited entry points are preventing rescue teams from using heavy equipment effectively. To address the problem, construction of a temporary access route is underway. The pathway is being developed to allow heavy machinery to reach the tunnel and support the clearance operation. According to the MEA, the temporary route is expected to be completed within the next two to three days.

At the same time, India's forensic team in Kathmandu is making progress in the identification of victims. The experts are processing more than 1,400 DNA samples and have so far generated 378 DNA profiles. The forensic exercise is aimed at helping authorities identify victims and provide answers to families whose relatives remain missing following the disaster. India has also expanded its humanitarian assistance to Nepal. The MEA said 95 tonnes of emergency relief supplies have already been transported to Nepal aboard seven aircraft. Additional relief material is expected to be sent as required.

Speaking at a weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had responded quickly to the disaster because of its close relationship with Nepal. He said New Delhi would continue supporting Nepal's rescue, relief and reconstruction efforts based on the country's requirements. Indian specialists, including forensic experts and tunnel rescue personnel, are currently working alongside Nepali authorities on the ground. The assistance is not limited to supplies, with specialised teams providing technical expertise during rescue and victim-identification operations.

The disaster has also left several Indian nationals unaccounted for. According to the MEA, 275 Indian citizens are currently reported missing. This figure includes 49 people who went missing on the Chinese side of the border. So far, 169 Indian nationals have been rescued, while efforts continue to locate those still missing. The scale of the disaster is reflected in figures released by Nepal Police. Data compiled up to 8 PM on Tuesday showed that 1,366 casualties had been recorded, while 4,077 people remained missing. The recovered victims included 533 men, 339 women and 502 partial human remains.

Of the bodies recovered, authorities have identified and handed over 102 to their families for final rites. Another 1,147 bodies have been buried according to forensic procedures designed to protect unidentified remains and preserve the possibility of future identification. The missing-person figures include both Nepalese citizens and foreign nationals. Nepal Police said 3,469 Nepalese citizens were still missing, including 2,907 men and 562 women. Another 598 foreign nationals were listed as missing, comprising 269 men and 329 women.

Rescue operations have meanwhile continued across affected areas. Nepal Police said 9,254 people had either been rescued or received assistance after being injured. The figure includes 6,380 men, 2,824 women and 50 unidentified cases. Around 3,030 displaced people are currently staying at designated holding and relief centres. DNA collection has become a key part of the ongoing identification effort. Authorities have collected 2,698 samples, including 1,286 samples from deceased victims and 1,412 samples from relatives searching for missing family members. Information, including photographs and profiles of 1,310 unidentified victims, has also been uploaded to an official website to help families identify their relatives.

The emergency response has involved thousands of personnel. Nepal Police has deployed 7,975 personnel across the affected areas, while 65 police personnel have themselves been affected by the disaster. Another 25 officers remain unaccounted for. Alongside rescue and relief work, police teams have conducted 158 public awareness and disaster preparedness programmes involving more than 43,900 people. These efforts are aimed at helping communities understand emergency procedures and respond more effectively to ongoing risks.

India has also urged families of Indian nationals who remain missing in China following the August 26 mudslide and flash floods to provide DNA samples. The samples are expected to assist forensic teams in comparing genetic profiles and establishing the identities of victims. With rescue teams facing difficult terrain, forensic experts working to identify victims and thousands of people still reported missing, the humanitarian situation remains serious. India's continued supply of emergency material and deployment of specialised technical teams are expected to support Nepal's efforts as it moves from immediate rescue operations towards relief and eventual reconstruction.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.