A specialized team from India has joined forces with the Nepali Army to conduct search and rescue operations in response to severe flash floods that have affected multiple hydropower tunnel sites in Nepal. This initiative, coordinated by the Ministry of External Affairs, highlights the collaborative efforts aimed at rescuing individuals trapped within the disaster-hit areas.

The Indian team commenced joint operations on August 30 at key locations in the Chilime and Langtang regions, which have been significantly impacted by the floods caused by rising water levels in the Trishuli basin. In an announcement, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the integration of Indian experts into the local rescue frameworks, facilitating direct collaboration with local security forces engaged in the rescue missions.

Operations at Hydropower Sites

According to a spokesperson from the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, the efforts undertaken by the Indian team are focused on critical hydropower tunnel sites in the affected areas. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu echoed this sentiment, stating that their specialized team was actively working alongside Nepali Army personnel to expedite search and rescue operations.

The Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, emphasized India’s ongoing commitment to assisting Nepal in its disaster response efforts. He reiterated that the Indian team is well-equipped with technical tools designed for navigating the challenging mountain terrain and narrow gorges where accessibility has been severely compromised due to rising waters and debris.

Rescues and Casualties

Recent reports indicated that on August 30, fifteen individuals, including five Chinese nationals and seven from India, were successfully rescued from a hydropower site. As the situation evolves, the death toll from the flash floods has risen to 903, an increase from 788 as reported by Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).

The floods have also left approximately 4,247 people unaccounted for, while over 10,451 individuals have been rescued so far. The NDRRMA has reported that the majority of fatalities have occurred in Chitwan, with 272 bodies recovered, followed by Nawalparasi (East) at 207 deaths, and Nawalparasi (West) at 151.

Figures provided reveal that among those reported missing are personnel from various organizations, including 25 from the Nepal Police, 45 from the Nepal Army, and 13 from the Armed Police Force. The District Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC) has reported a significant number of missing persons from several districts, including Rasuwa with 865 and Nuwakot with 1,548.

Continuing Rescue Efforts

The search and rescue operations are ongoing across the flood-affected regions, with authorities making significant strides in locating and rescuing individuals. The Nepal Army has successfully conducted aerial rescues, bringing to safety 252 foreign nationals and over 3,344 Nepali citizens.

As the situation remains dynamic, efforts by both Indian and Nepali teams are poised to continue as they address the challenges posed by the devastating flash floods impacting vast areas across Nepal. With lives at stake, the collaboration exemplifies the solidarity and mutual support shared between the two nations in times of crisis.

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