Nepal Floods: 3 Indians Including Child Rescued, 275 Still Missing, Says MEA

Three more Indian nationals, including a five-year-old child, have been rescued from the flood-hit Trishuli Bazaar area of Nepal, bringing the total number of Indian evacuees to 169, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday. Meanwhile, 275 Indian nationals remain missing, according to the MEA.

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal identified the rescued individuals as Abhijit Suresh Pawar, Dipika Abhijit Pawar, and their child Samarth Abhijit Pawar. He said the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu is facilitating their return flight home.

In a regular media briefing, Mr. Jaiswal also said that 1,907 Indians have safely crossed over to Nepal from China. He added that, as per official sources in China, no Indian travellers are stranded in the Tibetan Autonomous Region.

The flash floods in Nepal, which began on August 26, have caused widespread destruction. Nepalese authorities report that the death toll has risen to at least 1,295, with rescue workers recovering more bodies from affected areas. Emergency teams have rescued more than 12,000 people, while roughly 5,000 remain missing as search and rescue operations continue.

India has supplied around 95 tonnes of relief material to Nepal since the floods struck. The assistance has been delivered through seven aircraft, Mr. Jaiswal said. In addition, India has sent 54 personnel to support relief and rescue efforts, comprising 30 tunnel rescue experts, 19 forensic experts, and a five-member medical team.

“Our rescue and forensic teams are deployed on the ground, and they are working closely with the Nepalese authorities,” Mr. Jaiswal said.

The MEA spokesperson said India will continue to provide assistance to Nepal based on requirements from the Nepalese government. “We do plan to send more forensic kits, Bailey bridges and other materials that are requested by the government of Nepal,” he said.

The first tranche of relief materials was sent by India hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with his Nepalese counterpart, Balendra Shah, on the day the floods struck. Mr. Modi assured Mr. Shah of all possible humanitarian assistance.

Local authorities in Nepal report that the floods have damaged 35 motorable bridges, 45 suspension bridges, and 40 km of black-topped roads, mainly in central Nepal.

“We deeply appreciate the efforts of the Nepalese authorities in this regard,” Mr. Jaiswal said, adding that India remains in close touch with the Nepali government.

The MEA spokesperson emphasised India’s commitment to supporting Nepal’s reconstruction and recovery efforts in the aftermath of the disaster.