India has dispatched its fifth aircraft carrying an 11-member specialised rescue team, search-and-rescue equipment and 5.5 tonnes of essential medicines to support Nepal's ongoing relief operations after devastating floods.

 India has stepped up its humanitarian assistance to flood-hit Nepal, with a fifth aircraft carrying an 11-member specialised rescue team and 5.5 tonnes of essential medicines departing for the neighbouring country on Wednesday.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced the latest assistance in a social media post, saying the aircraft was carrying the rescue team along with specialised equipment and essential medicines. 

The latest deployment comes as Nepal continues large-scale search, rescue and relief operations following devastating flash floods that struck the country last week.

11-member rescue team joins relief effort

The specialised team has been sent with search-and-rescue equipment to strengthen ongoing operations in flood-affected areas.

The assistance is aimed at supporting Nepalese authorities in locating and rescuing people still trapped or missing following the disaster, while helping relief agencies respond to the continuing humanitarian needs.

Nepal has suffered extensive damage from the floods, with authorities reporting more than 1,000 deaths and thousands of people still missing. More than 12,000 people have been rescued, according to reports citing Nepalese authorities. 

5.5 tonnes of essential medicines sent

Alongside the rescue personnel and equipment, the aircraft is carrying 5.5 tonnes of essential medicines.

The medical supplies are intended to support healthcare requirements in areas affected by the floods, where local health infrastructure and access to medical services have been disrupted.

The latest consignment follows earlier Indian assistance, including medical teams, relief material and technical support for search-and-rescue operations. 

India's relief assistance reaches 68.5 tonnes

With the latest effort, India has so far supplied 68.5 tonnes of relief material to Nepal, according to reports. New Delhi has also sent doctors, paramedics and technical personnel to assist with the response. 

India's assistance is being provided as part of its humanitarian response to the disaster and reflects its broader Neighbourhood First approach towards regional cooperation and disaster relief. 

The first Indian relief assistance was sent shortly after the floods struck on August 26. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken with Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah and assured him of India's support following the disaster. 

Nepal faces major infrastructure damage

The floods have also damaged critical infrastructure across Nepal.

Reports citing local authorities said 35 motorable bridges, 45 suspension bridges and around 40 km of black-topped roads have been affected, particularly in central Nepal. 

The damage to roads and bridges has complicated access to affected communities and increased the importance of specialised rescue teams and emergency supplies.

With search operations still underway and thousands of people unaccounted for, India's latest aircraft is expected to add further capacity to Nepal's ongoing rescue and relief efforts.