India Steps Up Flood Relief Efforts as Another 21.5 Tonnes of Aid Reach Flood-Hit Nepal

India has continued its humanitarian assistance to flood-hit Nepal, with the sixth and seventh relief flights carrying a combined 21.5 tonnes of essential supplies arriving in Kathmandu on Thursday night. The latest consignments include medical equipment and forensic kits to support ongoing rescue, recovery and victim identification efforts in areas affected by the devastating Rasuwa flash floods.

The Ministry of External Affairs said both C-130J aircraft carrying the relief material landed in Kathmandu, where the supplies were handed over to Nepal's Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mahabir Pun. The assistance is expected to strengthen ongoing relief and rescue operations and provide support to communities affected by the floods.

Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava said the latest deliveries were part of India's continuing assistance to Nepal as the country responds to the Rasuwa flash floods. He said the two aircraft brought 21.5 tonnes of relief material, including forensic kits and medical supplies, which will be used during ongoing rescue and recovery operations.

India began its emergency relief operation shortly after the flash floods struck Nepal. The first Indian relief aircraft arrived on August 26 with 10 tonnes of supplies, including temporary shelters, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps and medicines. The following day, another aircraft delivered 37.5 tonnes of assistance comprising tents, blankets, hygiene supplies, solar lamps, dewatering pumps, kitchen equipment, generators, medicines and food items.

A third relief consignment later delivered an additional 10 tonnes of assistance. On August 30, India's fourth relief flight reached Nepal carrying 11 tonnes of material along with specialised equipment for search and rescue operations. The aircraft also brought a technical team and forensic experts to assist authorities with DNA-based identification of victims. Other essential supplies included blankets, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, plastic sheets and hygiene kits. India's fifth relief aircraft arrived on September 2 carrying an 11-member rescue team, specialised equipment and 5.5 tonnes of essential medicines. The latest delivery further expands India's assistance as Nepal continues its rescue and recovery efforts in the wake of the floods.

The Rasuwa disaster has caused significant loss of life and widespread disruption across several parts of Nepal. According to Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, the number of recovered bodies had reached 1,259 by 7 pm on Thursday. Chitwan recorded the highest number of recovered bodies at 355, including unidentified remains, followed by Nawalparasi East with 218, Nawalparasi West with 212 and Nuwakot with 177.

Rasuwa reported 127 recovered bodies, while Gorkha recorded 72, Dhading 60 and Tanahun 38. Rescue and recovery teams continue to work in affected areas, with authorities focusing on locating missing people, identifying victims and providing assistance to communities facing the aftermath of the floods. With its latest relief flights, India has continued to provide Nepal with emergency supplies, medical resources, rescue personnel and specialised expertise, reinforcing its humanitarian support for its neighbouring country during the ongoing disaster response.

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