Nepal Flash Flood: India Steps Up Rescue and Relief Efforts

Nepal flash flood India rescue efforts have intensified as the Indian government continues to assist stranded citizens and support Nepal's ongoing relief and rescue operations.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said India remains focused on contacting Indians who are still unaccounted for following the devastating floods. He also highlighted the rescue of 21 Indian pilgrims who had travelled to Kailash Mansarovar and were brought safely back after being rescued by the Nepal Army.

India Focuses on Stranded Citizens in Nepal

Speaking in Delhi, Dr S Jaishankar said he had met a group of Indians who had recently returned after being rescued from flood-affected areas of Nepal.

The group had travelled for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage and was rescued by the Nepal Army before being brought to Kathmandu. India's Embassy in Nepal subsequently arranged for their return to India.

Jaishankar said he met the pilgrims to express relief that they were safe and to hear about their experiences during the difficult situation.

More Than 315 Indians Yet to Be Contacted

According to Jaishankar, Indian authorities are continuing efforts to establish contact with citizens who remain in different parts of Nepal.

He said a little more than 315 Indians were still not contacted at the time of his statement. Around 85 Indians had been rescued from various locations, including the group of 21 people who had recently reached India.

The External Affairs Minister stressed that locating and assisting Indian nationals remains one of India's immediate priorities.

Nepal Army Leads Rescue Operations

Jaishankar acknowledged the role of the Nepal Army in rescuing stranded Indians from difficult locations.

The 21-member group that recently returned to India was among those rescued by Nepalese forces before being transported to Kathmandu.

The minister said the rescued Indians were particularly thankful to the Nepal Army for its efforts in reaching them and bringing them out of areas affected by the floods.

India Offers Support to Nepal

Alongside efforts to bring Indian citizens home, India is also working to support Nepal's broader relief and rescue operations.

Jaishankar said he spoke with Nepal's Foreign Minister and conveyed a range of assistance options from India. Nepal is currently evaluating the support and will determine what assistance is most suitable for its immediate requirements.

The Nepal flash flood India rescue efforts therefore include both citizen evacuation and wider humanitarian assistance to Nepal.

Tunnel Experts to Assist Rescue Operations

One of the areas identified for possible Indian assistance involves a hydroelectric project where people could potentially be trapped in a tunnel.

Jaishankar said India is sending a team with experts in tunnelling to assist Nepal in dealing with the situation.

The deployment is aimed at providing specialised technical expertise where conventional rescue operations may face difficulties because of the terrain and infrastructure conditions created by the floods.