KATHMANDU / NEW DELHI: India continues to conduct extensive disaster-response and evacuation operations under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy following severe flash floods and landslides across Nepal, safely rescuing a total of 166 Indian nationals to date. Concurrently, 410 Indian pilgrims who traveled to the Tibet Autonomous Region for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and related visits have safely departed China, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Reinforcing emergency medical logistics, a fifth Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft arrived in Kathmandu carrying critical supplies, including specialized surgical equipment, antibiotics, blankets, portable generators, tarpaulins, and hygiene kits. India has handed over more than 74 tonnes of disaster relief materials and specialized gear to local authorities, formally presented by Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava.
On the ground, specialized Indian tunnel rescue engineers are working alongside the Nepalese Army to clear heavy mud and debris during subterranean search operations in the Chilime tunnel. In Kathmandu laboratories, a contingent of Indian forensic scientists and DNA specialists continues to work with Nepalese medical authorities, conducting forensic profiling to ensure the scientific identification of recovered victims.