Nepal Floods: India Sends Fourth Relief Flight With 11 Tonnes of Aid

India has stepped up its relief and rescue assistance to Nepal as the Himalayan country continues to deal with the devastating aftermath of floods and debris flows.

The fourth Indian relief flight carrying 11 tonnes of assistance landed in Nepal on Sunday, with the consignment including specialised personnel and equipment for search-and-rescue operations, forensic experts for DNA analysis and essential relief supplies.

The latest assistance is part of India's ongoing effort to support Nepal's emergency response as rescue teams continue searching for people missing after the disaster.

Fourth Relief Flight Lands

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that the fourth relief flight had arrived in Nepal and that the relief material had been handed over to the authorities.

The consignment includes a tunnel technical contingent and specialised equipment to assist search-and-rescue operations.

It also includes a team of forensic experts who will support DNA analysis and identification efforts.

The relief supplies include blankets, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, plastic sheets and hygiene kits for people affected by the disaster.

India has been providing assistance as Nepal deals with extensive destruction in areas hit by powerful floodwaters and debris.

Rescue Teams Join Effort

The specialised tunnel team is expected to support rescue operations at hydropower facilities where workers may remain trapped.

The disaster damaged infrastructure across affected areas, making conventional rescue operations difficult.

The presence of technical personnel and specialised equipment is intended to strengthen Nepal's capacity to search inside damaged tunnels and other difficult locations.

The forensic team will meanwhile assist authorities in identifying recovered victims through DNA analysis.

This could become particularly important because of the scale of the disaster and the condition of recovered remains.

Four Indians Rescued

The Ministry of External Affairs also confirmed the rescue of four Indian nationals from a hydropower project in Nepal's Rasuwa district on Saturday.

The rescued Indians were identified as Ripu Kumar, Chaneshwar Narzary, Kripa Shankar and Mohammed Minhajuddin.

Their rescue brings the number of Indian nationals rescued so far to 88, according to the latest MEA update.

However, 287 Indian nationals remain missing, while another 128 people of Indian origin are still reported missing.

Indian authorities continue to coordinate with Nepalese officials and local agencies to trace those who remain unaccounted for.

More Indians Cross Into Nepal

The MEA also reported that 120 Indian nationals crossed into Nepal from China on Saturday.

The movement comes as authorities continue efforts to assist people affected or stranded by the disaster.

Indian diplomatic and relief teams are working with Nepalese authorities to facilitate rescue, identification and humanitarian assistance.

The continuing movement of people across the border adds to the logistical challenge facing authorities in the affected region.

Thousands Remain Missing

The Indian relief operation comes as rescue teams in Nepal and China continue searching for thousands of missing people.

The disaster unleashed a powerful surge of water and debris through Himalayan valleys, destroying or severely damaging settlements and infrastructure.

Combined figures from the two countries have put the number of missing people at close to 3,000, while hundreds of bodies have been recovered.

Some victims may have been carried downstream by the powerful floodwaters, making the search increasingly difficult.

Rescue teams are working in difficult terrain while dealing with damaged roads, unstable slopes and debris-filled waterways.

Tunnel Rescue Underway

One of the most urgent rescue operations is taking place at the Trishuli 3A hydroelectric project.

The Nepali army managed to insert a pipe into a tunnel where workers are believed to be trapped.

Authorities have started sending air through the opening while preparing for excavation and a possible rescue operation.

The operation is technically challenging because large amounts of mud and debris have entered affected areas.

Specialised assistance from India could help strengthen efforts at hydropower sites where conventional rescue equipment may not be sufficient.

India Expands Support

The fourth relief flight demonstrates India's continued involvement in Nepal's emergency response.

Unlike a consignment focused only on food and basic supplies, the latest flight combines technical rescue capabilities, forensic expertise and humanitarian material.

The inclusion of DNA specialists is particularly significant as Nepal works to identify victims and provide information to families searching for missing relatives.

India's assistance also reflects the close geographical and humanitarian links between the two neighbouring countries.

What Happens Next

Search-and-rescue operations are expected to continue across the worst-affected parts of Nepal as authorities try to locate missing people and reach survivors.

The immediate priorities include rescuing anyone trapped in hydropower tunnels, identifying recovered victims, providing essential supplies and restoring access to affected communities.

Indian technical teams are expected to support specialised rescue and identification operations while humanitarian supplies are distributed to affected people.

Authorities will also continue coordinating information on missing Indian nationals and people of Indian origin.

The scale of the disaster means rescue and recovery operations could continue for an extended period.