India has dispatched 68.5 tonnes of relief materials to Nepal, which is suffering from the effects of severe flooding. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu confirmed the delivery of aid as search and rescue teams endeavour to assist those trapped, particularly in hydropower tunnels following the disastrous flash floods that occurred on Wednesday.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced via a post on X that a fourth flight had successfully delivered 11 tonnes of relief supplies into Nepal. The cargo includes a contingent of tunnel specialists, essential equipment for search and rescue missions, as well as a team of forensic experts dedicated to DNA analysis, and various relief items such as blankets, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, plastic sheets, and hygiene kits.

Reportedly, a highly skilled team specialising in tunnel operations has been sent to assist in the recovery and aid efforts within the affected hydropower tunnels. An 11-member technical team, which comprises doctors, paramedics, and tunnel engineers, arrived in Kathmandu on Friday and undertook an initial reconnaissance of the affected sites in Nuwakot district on Saturday.

Ongoing Rescue Operations in Nuwakot District

This technical team further conducted aerial surveys of the Chilime and Langtang regions as part of their preparations for rescue efforts around the flood-impacted tunnels. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, an 82-member joint security team that includes personnel from the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police has been actively engaged since Friday night in efforts to clear debris and reach individuals reportedly trapped.

Additionally, forensic experts and equipment for DNA analysis have been included in the aid package. The Nepali authorities have expressed the need for foreign assistance in forensic work and DNA testing following this calamity. As it stands, Nepali security forces have successfully rescued 191 workers trapped in various hydropower tunnels across the nation, according to statements from the Nepal Army.

Despite these efforts, the situation remains critical, as reports suggest that more individuals are still trapped within the tunnels linked to the Upper Trishuli-1 and Trishuli-3A hydropower projects, located near the Nepal-Tibet border. Complicating the rescue efforts are significant amounts of mud and debris hindering access to tunnel entrances, alongside adverse weather conditions that obstruct operations.

Infrastructure Support from India

In addition to the immediate relief, the Indian Embassy has reported that 16 trucks carrying materials for a 230-foot single-lane modular steel bridge have arrived in Nepal. They indicated that equipment for the construction of seven additional Bailey bridges is set to be provided shortly, alongside technical teams tasked with their installation.

Nepal has officially requested assistance from both India and China for the construction of a total of 42 Bailey bridges aimed at restoring transportation links in areas severely affected by the floods. The flash floods, which wreaked havoc on the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors, led to numerous fatalities and widespread destruction of transportation infrastructure, homes, and hydropower facilities.

The devastating impacts of the floods have necessitated urgent measures to facilitate recovery and rehabilitation efforts in the region. India’s rapid response by sending aid and expert teams underscores its commitment to supporting Nepal during this crisis.

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