New Delhi, Aug 29 (NVI) Providing the latest update, the government tonight said more than 275 Indian nationals and 128 Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) still remain missing or non-contactable since the devastating floods hit Nepal three days back.
In a statement, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said 108 Indian nationals have been rescued in Nepal and contact was re-established with around 50 Indian nationals who were earlier uncontactable.
Furthermore, 598 Indian nationals have safely crossed into Nepal from China in the last two days, the MEA said, quoting “local Government sources in China”.
Around 900 Indian nationals are still on the Chinese side but are safe and contactable, it said.
Devastating flash floods hit Nepal on August 26 in the Bhote Koshi area causing significant loss of life and extensive damage to residential areas, roads, bridges and other infrastructure, situated downstream.
“As many Indian nationals were among those impacted by the flash floods on both the Nepal side and the China side, Government of India has been working in close coordination with the Nepali and Chinese authorities for the early rescue and relief efforts of those affected by the floods,” the MEA said.
A round-the-clock Control Room has been established in the Ministry of External Affairs and our Embassies in Kathmandu and Beijing have 24/7 helplines operational, it said.
“Our Embassies in Kathmandu and Beijing have also remained engaged with the all the relevant stakeholders to ensure effective coordination of search, rescue and relief efforts, in connection with Indian nationals impacted by the flash flood.
“Our Missions have also ensured sustained efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of rescued Indian nationals apart from facilitating their return to India, wherever required, and are monitoring and facilitating the transit of Indian nationals returning from the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra through Nepal,” the MEA said.
‘Furthermore, the Government of India has remained engaged with relevant authorities in Government of Nepal to provide assistance as needed.
“Government of India has offered the National Disaster Response Force to support Nepal’s search and rescue efforts and also mobilised immediate humanitarian assistance with Indian Air Force aircraft carrying emergency relief material to Nepal,” it said.
Till now, three IAF aircraft have carried a total of about 57.5 tonnes of relief material and a fourth sortie is expected to depart for Kathmandu today.
On the day the flash floods struck, an IAF C-130J Hercules airlifted 10 tonnes of emergency relief material such as temporary shelters, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps, and medicines.
The next day morning, on 27 August 2026, an IAF C-17 Globemaster airlifted 37.5 tonnes of relief items including 28.5 tonnes of tents, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps, dewatering pumps, kitchen sets, gensets; 8 tonnes of medicines; and 1 tonne of food items.
Yesterday a C-130J Hercules airlifted a 5-member Indian Army tunnel rescue recce team and a 6-member medical team; and another 10 tonnes of material including portable gensets, dignity kits, food, water purification tablets, and medicines. The technical team for tunnel rescue started working from today to assist in tunnel rescue in the impacted area.
A fourth aircraft sortie, a C130J Hercules, is expected to depart for Kathmandu today and is carrying a 13-member Indian Army tunnel rescue team with specialist equipment based on the recce team’s on-ground assessment, to assist the on-going search and rescue efforts of Nepali disaster response teams.
In addition, a 19-member contingent of 6 forensic teams is also being sent to assist in the analysis of DNA samples for identification of mortal remains. The aircraft is also likely to carry relief supplies.
“Further targeted assistance, as per the requirements of Nepal, is being mobilised. This includes Bailey bridges and associated technical teams for restoring connectivity and helping in relief efforts. One Bailey bridge is already in Nepal and can be deployed in the affected parts,” the MEA said.
“As neighbours, India and Nepal share special and close relations, underpinned by civilizational ties and extensive people-to-people linkages. With many Indian nationals having also lost their lives, the people of India share in the grief caused by these devastating flash floods,” it said.
India stands in solidarity with Nepal in this tragic time, and remains committed to providing all possible assistance. (NVI)
