India Sends Fifth Tranche Of Relief Supplies To Flood-Hit Nepal
India expands humanitarian assistance as Nepal battles devastating floods.
India on Wednesday sent its fifth tranche of relief supplies to flood-hit Nepal, including 5.5 tonnes of essential medicines and an 11-member rescue team equipped with specialised search and rescue equipment. The latest assistance comes as Nepal continues to deal with the widespread destruction caused by devastating flash floods that struck parts of the Himalayan nation last week.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced the dispatch of the latest Indian aircraft carrying the relief material and rescue personnel. The 11-member team has been deployed with specialised equipment to support ongoing search and rescue operations, while the medicines are intended to meet urgent healthcare requirements in affected areas.
With the latest consignment, India's total relief assistance to Nepal has reached 68.5 tonnes. New Delhi has also deployed doctors and paramedics, along with a technical team equipped to assist local authorities in search and rescue efforts as Nepal continues operations in areas affected by the disaster.
Also Read: India Airlifts 47.5 Tonnes Of Relief To Flood-Hit Nepal, Keeps Forces Ready
India began sending relief supplies shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah on August 26, the day the flash floods struck. Modi assured Shah of India's full support and humanitarian assistance, following which the first tranche of relief material was dispatched to Nepal.
The floods have caused extensive loss of life and damage across Nepal. According to Nepalese authorities, the death toll from last week's flash floods has risen to more than 1,000, while more than 12,000 people have been rescued. Around 4,000 people remain missing as rescue and search operations continue across affected areas.
The disaster has also caused major damage to Nepal's transport infrastructure, particularly in central parts of the country. Local authorities have reported damage to 35 motorable bridges, 45 suspension bridges and around 40 kilometres of black-topped roads, further complicating relief and rescue operations.
Also Read: Nepal Flash Floods: Rebuilding May Cost Up To $5 Billion, Says Finance Minister
