India has stepped up its humanitarian response to the devastating flash floods in Nepal, sending a fifth tranche of relief assistance to support ongoing rescue and recovery operations.

The latest Indian aircraft carrying an 11-member specialised rescue team and 5.5 tonnes of essential medicines departed for Nepal on Wednesday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said. The rescue personnel have been equipped with specialised equipment to assist teams working in flood-affected areas.

With the latest consignment, India’s total relief assistance to Nepal has reached 68.5 tonnes. New Delhi has also previously dispatched doctors, paramedics and technical personnel along with equipment designed to support search-and-rescue operations.

Rescue Operations Continue

The additional assistance comes as Nepal continues to deal with the massive destruction caused by last week’s flash floods.

According to Nepal Police, the death toll reached 1,127 on Wednesday, while thousands of people remain unaccounted for. Security forces have been conducting large-scale search and rescue operations across several affected districts.

The disaster has also caused extensive damage to roads and bridges. Local authorities have reported damage to 35 motorable bridges, 45 suspension bridges and around 40 km of paved roads, particularly in central Nepal.

India’s Relief Effort

India’s assistance began soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah on August 26, the day the flash floods struck. Modi assured Nepal of India’s support and humanitarian assistance during the crisis.

Since then, India has sent multiple consignments of relief material and specialised personnel. The latest shipment is intended to strengthen Nepal’s medical and rescue capabilities as teams continue searching for survivors and assisting displaced communities.

Nepal has also received assistance from other countries and international organisations as the scale of the disaster continues to emerge.

Fresh Flood Risk Remains

Despite the ongoing rescue efforts, authorities in Nepal remain concerned about further flooding. Water levels in several major rivers crossed alert levels on Wednesday following continued rainfall.

Officials have urged residents in low-lying areas and communities living near riverbanks to remain vigilant and move to safer locations if water levels rise further.

The continuing monsoon activity is adding to the challenges faced by rescue teams already working in difficult terrain.

Neighbourhood Support in Action

India’s latest assistance reflects its continuing humanitarian response to the disaster in its neighbouring country. With specialised rescuers, medical supplies and technical personnel now deployed, New Delhi is seeking to support Nepal’s immediate rescue requirements as well as its broader relief operations.