Eighth Indian flight delivers tunnel rescue equipment, forensic supplies and essential relief material…reports Asian Lite News Desk
India has handed over relief and rescue supplies, including specialised tunnel rescue equipment and forensic materials, to Nepal as rescue and relief operations continue following devastating flash floods.
The eighth Indian flight carrying humanitarian assistance arrived in Kathmandu on Wednesday, with the supplies handed over to Nepal’s Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mahabir Pun, Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava said in a post on X.
India has sent relief supplies, specialised equipment and expert personnel to Nepal through eight special flights since August 26.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said more than 130 tonnes of relief material had been delivered to Nepal, along with 54 experts deployed to assist with rescue, relief and forensic operations.
The assistance includes temporary shelters, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps and medicines, as well as specialised equipment for tunnel and mud rescue operations.
Among the specialised supplies are mud rescue suits, gas detectors, breathing apparatus, inflatable walkways, DNA kits, reagents and equipment for DNA profiling. India has also supplied portable generators, lighting towers and dewatering pumps.
An Indian tunnel rescue team initially began operations in coordination with the Nepal Army at Chilime and Langtang.
The search operation is now focused on Chilime, where difficult terrain, limited access and the slope of the tunnel have created significant challenges. The Indian team has continued its efforts using manual methods and specialised techniques.
The MEA said work was also underway to construct a makeshift access road that would allow heavy machinery, including an excavator, to reach the tunnel. The track is progressing well and is expected to be completed within two to three days.
Meanwhile, an Indian forensic team is working at two laboratories in Kathmandu to examine and analyse DNA samples in coordination with Nepali authorities.
India’s forensic laboratory equipment, DNA kits and reagents are being provided to support the ongoing identification and forensic operations.
The MEA said India would continue providing humanitarian assistance to Nepal in support of rescue and relief efforts following the flash floods.
