India has swiftly responded to the devastating flash floods in Nepal, dispatching crucial humanitarian aid and assuring full support to its neighbour as rescue and relief efforts intensify.
Key Points
- India dispatched 10 tonnes of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) to Nepal via a C-130J aircraft.
- The relief supplies include temporary shelters, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps, and essential medicines.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured Nepalese counterpart Balendra Shah of India's full support and solidarity.
- Nearly 160 people have been killed and hundreds are missing due to the flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border.
- India plans to send additional relief supplies and has earmarked helicopters for rescue and evacuation operations.
India on Wednesday night sent the first tranche of relief supplies in a military transport aircraft to Nepal where flash floods along the country's border with Tibet region killed at least 95 people and left a trail of destruction.
The relief materials were sent hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to his Nepalese counterpart Balendra Shah and assured him of all possible humanitarian assistance to deal with the situation.
"The people of India stand in solidarity with their sisters and brothers in Nepal at this difficult time," Modi said on social media after the conversation.
"India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance to Nepal. Our teams are coordinating closely on rescue and relief efforts," he said.
India's Swift Response and Diplomatic Outreach
Thanking Modi for his "kind call and deep condolences", Shah in a social media post said, "We deeply appreciate your warm words of solidarity and your generous offer of assistance to Nepal during this difficult time."
"This gesture of solidarity is a reflection of the enduring bonds of friendship between our two countries, which we profoundly value," he said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India dispatched 10 tonnes of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) assistance to Nepal.
"Dispatched 10 tonnes of HADR assistance and essential medicines to support Nepal's response to the devastating floods," he said on X.
"Our thoughts are with the bereaved families and all those affected. In face of this challenge, India stands with Nepal and its people," he added.
Relief Operations Underway
The relief supplies were sent on board a C-130J aircraft of the Indian Air Force. The aircraft took off for Kathmandu from Hindon airbase near Delhi around 8:35 pm. The relief supplies included emergency items such as temporary shelters, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps, and medicines.
The IAF also posted on X, saying, "In response to the devastating flash floods in Nepal, the IAF has swiftly deployed a C-130J aircraft carrying 10 tonnes of essential relief materials and medical supplies."
"Additional air effort by C-17 and C-130 aircraft will transport further relief supplies, with helicopters earmarked for rescue and evacuation operations. From the skies to the ground - responding with speed, agility, and precision, delivering hope when it matters most," it added.
Impact of the Floods and Future Aid
According to latest reports, nearly 160 people were killed, and a few hundreds are missing following the flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border.
It is learnt that New Delhi will send more relief supplies in the next few days with another military transport aircraft expected to be sent to Kathmandu on Thursday morning.
