India has rescued three more nationals, including a five-year-old child, from flood-hit Nepal, taking the total number rescued to 169. The MEA said relief operations continue, with India sending 95 tonnes of supplies and 54 personnel to support Nepal’s rescue efforts.
Three more Indian nationals, including a five-year-old child, have been rescued from flood-affected Nepal, taking the total number of Indians rescued so far to 169, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday.
The latest rescue operation was carried out in Trishuli Bazaar, one of the areas affected by devastating floods and flash floods that struck the Himalayan nation last week. The rescued individuals have been identified as Abhijit Suresh Pawar, Dipika Abhijit Pawar and their five-year-old child, Samarth Abhijit Pawar.
In an update issued at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, the MEA said the three Indian nationals had been rescued from Trishuli Bazaar since the previous day. The Indian Embassy in Nepal is assisting the family in returning to India by air.
“Update on Indian nationals impacted by the floods in Nepal. As of 8:30 p.m. on Friday, total Indians rescued so far: 169,” the MEA said in a post on social media platform X.
The latest rescue comes as India continues to intensify its humanitarian assistance and coordination with Nepal following the widespread devastation caused by the floods. Indian authorities have been working closely with their Nepalese counterparts to locate and assist Indian nationals affected by the disaster.
Earlier on Friday, the MEA said India had so far dispatched around 95 tonnes of relief material to Nepal through seven aircraft. Alongside the relief supplies, India has deployed 54 personnel to support rescue, relief and recovery operations in flood-affected areas.
Addressing a bi-weekly press briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India would continue providing assistance according to the requirements communicated by the Nepalese government. He said additional relief and emergency materials would be sent in the coming days.
Jaiswal said India was preparing to send more forensic kits, Bailey bridges and other materials requested by the Nepalese authorities. He added that two Indian aircraft had flown to Kathmandu on Thursday carrying 21 tonnes of relief material.
According to the MEA, the Indian personnel deployed in Nepal include 30 tunnel rescue experts, 19 forensic experts and a five-member medical team. The rescue and forensic teams are already operating on the ground and coordinating closely with Nepalese authorities.
The deployment is aimed at strengthening ongoing rescue and relief operations, while forensic teams are assisting with identification and other emergency requirements arising from the disaster.
Despite the continued rescue efforts, the MEA said 275 Indian nationals remain unaccounted for in Nepal. Authorities are continuing efforts to trace their whereabouts and provide assistance wherever possible.
Jaiswal also provided an update concerning Indian nationals travelling through China. He said 1,907 Indian nationals had so far crossed safely into Nepal from China.
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He further stated that, according to official information received from Chinese authorities, no Indian travellers are currently stranded in the Tibet Autonomous Region.
India’s ongoing response includes both the evacuation of affected citizens and the delivery of emergency supplies and specialist personnel. The government has reiterated that further assistance will be provided based on Nepal’s requirements as rescue and relief operations continue following the devastating floods.
