New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday confirmed that 158 Indian nationals were rescued from Nepal after devastating floods hit the Himalayan nation last week.
The Ministry stated that as of 9 p.m. on Monday, a total of 158 Indian nationals have been rescued, and the forensics team and Tunnel rescue teams are continuing the rescue and relief efforts.
“Forensics team: The specialised forensics team from India continued its work in Kathmandu today in coordination with counterparts from Nepal Police’s Forensic Science Laboratory. They discussed the optimisation of various protocols and documentation,” stated the MEA.
On Sunday, Ambassador of India to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, met and briefed the forensics team. Subsequently, the team had discussions with counterparts in Nepal Police’s Central Forensic Science Laboratory in Kathmandu and the Forensics Department of the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital.
“Tunnel rescue team: The tunnel rescue operations team from India sustained its efforts in coordination with the Nepali Army at Chilime and Langtang hydropower sites today. Despite inclement weather and difficult access conditions at Chilime, the team was able to establish a foothold at the tunnel. Rescue efforts will continue tomorrow,” it added.
The Indian tunnel rescue team on Sunday joined the Nepali Army’s team to conduct search and rescue operations at hydropower tunnel sites in Chilime and the Langtang area.
“Our technical team for tunnel rescue worked in both Chilime and Langtang sites today in coordination with the Nepali Army. Despite inclement weather and difficult access conditions at Chilime, the team successfully established a foothold at the tunnel and set up safety ropes inside the tunnel. In Langtang, the team, along with Nepali forces, was able to probe till 185 metres depth. Rescue efforts will continue tomorrow,” Ambassador Srivastava stated on X.
A fourth flight carrying assistance from India for people affected by the catastrophic floods in Nepal arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday.
“The fourth flight carrying 11 tonnes of relief supplies has arrived in Nepal, with the materials handed over to the concerned authorities as part of ongoing support following the devastating floods,” the MEA said.
The consignment includes a tunnel technical team equipped with search-and-rescue equipment, as well as a team of forensic experts for DNA analysis. The relief supplies include blankets, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, plastic sheets and hygiene kits.
(IANS)
