India's 4th relief flight arrives in Nepal with rescue equipment, forensic experts

Kathmandu: India on Sunday sent its fourth relief flight to Kathmandu, delivering 11 tonnes of essential supplies alongside specialised personnel to support ongoing rescue and recovery operations in Nepal.

The relief shipment, announced by Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava, contained critical shelter and survival items including blankets, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, plastic sheets, and hygiene kits.

In addition to humanitarian supplies, the aircraft transported a technical contingent equipped specifically for complex tunnel search and rescue operations. A team of forensics experts equipped with specialised tools for DNA analysis also arrived on the flight to assist local authorities with victim identification and forensic assessments.

This latest delivery forms part of India's sustained effort to provide immediate technical, medical, and material assistance to Nepal during the crisis.

In the wake of the catastrophic August 26 Bhote Koshi River floods in Nepal, rescue and relief operations have intensified, with India stepping up both land and air support.

According to official figures released by the MEA, 88 Indian nationals have been rescued from flood-affected regions so far. Currently, 120 Indian nationals have successfully crossed into Nepal from China.

Earlier, highlighting India's robust infrastructure support, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar detailed in a post on X that 16 trucks carrying equipment for a 230-foot Single Lane Modular Steel Bridge have already reached Nepal.

Furthermore, equipment for seven additional Bailey bridges will be dispatched shortly, accompanied by technical teams for swift installation to restore critical land connectivity.

With the latest dispatch, India has airlifted a total of 68.5 tonnes of relief material to Kathmandu, comprising essential medicines, portable generator sets, food packets, water purification tablets, and heavy technical equipment.

Reaffirming India's solidarity, Dr. Jaishankar reiterated New Delhi's commitment to standing by Nepal throughout the relief and reconstruction phase.

Meanwhile, Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) on Sunday issued an urgent public safety warning following reports of a sudden increase in the roar and water flow of the Bhote Koshi River.

Authorities have urged residents and relief teams along downstream settlements to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant.