NEW DELHI, Aug 28: India on Friday sent its third consignment of humanitarian assistance to Nepal as the neighbouring country continues to battle the devastating impact of flash floods. The latest shipment comprised 10 tonnes of emergency supplies, along with an 11-member medical team and a reconnaissance team for tunnel rescue operations.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the third flight carrying relief material had departed for Kathmandu. The consignment included portable generator sets, dignity kits, food packets and water purification tablets aimed at supporting communities affected by the floods.
The medical contingent comprises doctors and paramedics, while the reconnaissance personnel will assist in assessing requirements related to tunnel rescue operations.
“An 11 member team of doctors, paramedics & Recce team for Tunnel rescue operations is also on board,” Jaishankar said in a social media post, reiterating that India would continue supporting Nepal’s ongoing relief and rescue efforts.
The latest deployment follows two earlier shipments of assistance from New Delhi. India sent 10 tonnes of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) material to Nepal on Wednesday, followed by another consignment containing 37.5 tonnes of relief supplies on Thursday.
The assistance has been dispatched as Nepal grapples with the aftermath of severe flash floods along its border with the Tibet region. The disaster has reportedly claimed at least 547 lives and caused widespread destruction across affected areas.
India’s relief operation began shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Wednesday. During the conversation, Modi assured his Nepalese counterpart of New Delhi’s support in responding to the crisis.
“The people of India stand in solidarity with their sisters and brothers in Nepal at this difficult time,” Modi said following the telephone conversation.
He also assured that India was prepared to extend all possible humanitarian assistance and that Indian teams were coordinating with Nepalese authorities on rescue and relief operations.
The initial consignment contained essential emergency supplies, including temporary shelters, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps and medicines to help people affected by the disaster.
The deployment of medical personnel and specialised rescue teams marks an expansion of India’s assistance beyond the delivery of relief material. The teams are expected to contribute to emergency healthcare and help evaluate requirements for rescue operations in difficult-to-access areas.
With Nepal continuing to assess the scale of damage caused by the floods, India is expected to send additional assistance in the coming days. The continued support reflects New Delhi’s effort to strengthen coordination with Kathmandu during the ongoing humanitarian emergency.