India’s Rescue Operations in Nepal: A Continuous Effort
On Tuesday evening, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) provided an update on the ongoing rescue and relief efforts for Indian nationals affected by the recent catastrophic floods in Nepal. As of 7:30 PM on September 1, a total of 163 Indian nationals have been rescued, which includes five individuals rescued since the previous day. Additionally, 151 Indian nationals were reported to have left China on the same day.
The MEA highlighted the bravery of the Indian tunnel rescue team, which is working alongside the Nepali Army to carry out search and rescue missions at key hydropower tunnel sites in Chilime, Rasuwa. The team has encountered several challenges, such as difficult access points and limited use of specialized equipment due to the tough terrain and marshy conditions within the tunnels. However, they have been using creative techniques and makeshift floats to navigate deeper into the tunnels with the goal of rescuing anyone trapped inside.
The rescue team plans to continue its operations in the following days. The MEA also stated that a forensic team from India is working with Nepalese authorities, performing DNA tests and analysis to speed up the identification of victims.
As the rescue mission progresses into its seventh day, the death toll from the devastating floods has climbed beyond 1,000. The floods were triggered by a glacial collapse that unleashed a torrent of ice, mud, and debris in a valley in Nepal, which completely destroyed numerous settlements. Disturbing footage captured the chaos as residents attempted to escape the rapidly rising waters and debris that destroyed buildings, bridges, and other essential infrastructure.
As of Tuesday evening, the death toll in Nepal has reached 1,050, with around 4,000 people still unaccounted for, including nearly 600 foreign nationals from 39 different countries. So far, emergency services have successfully rescued approximately 11,993 individuals, utilizing helicopters and other aircraft to reach communities that have been cut off due to the extensive damage caused by floods and landslides.
In response to the crisis, India has ramped up its humanitarian efforts in Nepal. The MEA reported that India has dispatched a consignment consisting of 37.5 tonnes of humanitarian assistance, disaster relief supplies, medicines, and food packages to aid the flood-affected areas. With this latest shipment, India’s total emergency assistance to Nepal has now reached 47.5 tonnes, following a previous delivery of 10 tonnes of essential supplies.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that a second flight delivering relief materials and medicines had already left for Nepal and assured that India is maintaining close communication with the Nepalese government throughout this challenging time.
