Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
India has sent 68.5 tonnes of relief material to flood-hit Nepal and deployed technical teams, forensic experts and equipment to support search and rescue operations, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu said. The assistance comes as rescue teams work to reach people believed to be trapped in hydropower tunnels after devastating flash floods on Wednesday.
The Ministry of External Affairs said in a post on X that a fourth flight carrying 11 tonnes of relief aid had landed in Nepal. “It consists of a tunnel technical contingent along with equipment for search & rescue operations; a team of forensics experts for DNA analysis and relief supplies, including blankets, sleeping bags, tarpaulin, plastic sheets & hygiene kits,” the MEA said.
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According to the embassy, India has sent a specialised technical contingent, including tunnel experts, along with equipment for operations in hydropower tunnels where workers are believed to be trapped. An 11-member Indian technical team comprising doctors, paramedics and tunnel engineers arrived in Kathmandu on Friday and carried out an on-site reconnaissance of hydropower tunnels in the flood-affected Trishuli area of Nuwakot district on Saturday.
The team also conducted an aerial survey of the Chilime and Langtang areas before starting rescue-related work around the tunnel area, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority. An 82-member joint security team comprising personnel from the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police has been working since Friday night to clear debris and reach those believed to be trapped inside the tunnel.
India has also sent forensic experts and equipment for DNA analysis, along with blankets, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, plastic sheets and hygiene kits, the embassy said. Nepal has sought foreign expertise for DNA testing, forensic work and other specialised tasks after the disaster. Nepali security forces have so far rescued 191 workers from tunnels at various hydropower projects in the country, according to the Nepal Army. However, reports of more people trapped inside tunnels prompted Nepal to seek India’s help. Many are believed to be trapped inside tunnels linked to the Upper Trishuli-1 and Trishuli-3A hydropower projects in Rasuwa district near the Nepal-Tibet border. Rescue efforts have been complicated by mud and debris blocking tunnel entrances and by adverse weather.
The embassy also said 16 trucks carrying equipment for a 230-foot single-lane modular steel bridge had arrived in Nepal. “Equipment for installation of seven more Bailey bridges will be supplied soon. Technical teams for their installation are expected to arrive shortly,” it said. Nepal has sought assistance from India and China for the construction of 42 Bailey bridges to restore transport links in the flood-hit areas. The flash floods swept through the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors on Wednesday, killing hundreds and causing extensive damage to roads, bridges, settlements and hydropower infrastructure.
With PTI Inputs
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
