Nepal has been hit by devastating floods and landslides, particularly in Rasuwa and areas close to the Nepal-China border.

A sudden surge in the Bhote Koshi River caused widespread destruction, damaging roads and bridges and making access to affected areas extremely difficult.

153 Indians Rescued

Indian authorities have been working with Nepalese officials to evacuate Indian nationals stranded in the affected areas.

A total of 153 Indians stranded on the Chinese side of the border were safely brought across into Nepal, according to information released by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Search Continues for Missing Indians

Several Indians remain unaccounted for following the disaster.

At one stage, the Ministry of External Affairs reported that 320 Indian nationals were missing. The number was later revised to 275, while 128 people of Indian origin remained uncontactable.

Evacuations From China

Some Indian nationals stranded in areas on the Chinese side of the border have been moved safely into Nepal.

Indian officials are coordinating with authorities in both China and Nepal to facilitate the movement of stranded citizens through safe routes.

Indian Air Force Supports Relief Efforts

India has also expanded its humanitarian assistance to Nepal.

Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft have transported relief supplies, rescue equipment and medical teams. A fourth relief flight carried 11 tonnes of assistance, along with a specialised tunnel search-and-rescue team and forensic experts who will help identify victims through DNA analysis.

Specialised Teams Help Rescue Tunnel Workers

More than 100 workers are believed to be trapped inside hydropower project tunnels in the affected region.

India has sent a specialised tunnel rescue team that is working alongside the Nepalese Army to locate and rescue people trapped inside the tunnels.

Forensic Assistance for Victim Identification

The large number of casualties has created a major challenge in identifying the dead.

Indian forensic experts are working with Nepalese authorities on DNA analysis to identify victims. The process will help authorities establish the identities of Indian nationals among the recovered remains.

India Sends Bridge-Building Equipment

India is also helping Nepal restore damaged transport links.

Sixteen trucks carrying equipment for a 230-foot single-lane modular steel bridge have reached Nepal. India has also announced plans to supply equipment for seven additional Bailey bridges.

Thousands Still Missing

The disaster has caused hundreds of deaths across Nepal and Tibet, while thousands of people remain unaccounted for.

More than 700 bodies have been recovered in Nepal and Tibet, according to the latest reports, with search operations continuing in several affected areas.

India Continues Humanitarian Assistance

India has continued sending relief flights carrying food, medical supplies, rescue equipment and specialised personnel.

A total of 68.5 tonnes of relief material had been sent to Nepal by the time of the fourth assistance flight, according to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

Conclusion

India has rescued 153 citizens affected by the devastating floods in Nepal, while search and tracing operations continue for those still unaccounted for. Indian officials are coordinating with Nepalese and Chinese authorities to evacuate stranded citizens and establish contact with missing people.

Alongside citizen evacuations, India is providing Nepal with relief supplies, specialised rescue teams, forensic experts and bridge-building equipment as part of a wider humanitarian response to the disaster.