New Delhi: India has offered to deploy National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams in Nepal following devastating flash floods that have killed at least 552 people across areas on both sides of the Nepal Tibet border.
The Ministry of External Affairs said India was preparing additional humanitarian assistance following a request from Nepal. The support includes medical personnel, engineering teams, rescue equipment and infrastructure material aimed at helping affected areas recover from the destruction.
Two aircraft carrying relief supplies have already been sent to Nepal, while another aircraft is expected to deliver additional humanitarian assistance. India is also preparing a specialised tunnel rescue team, with an advance team set to assess the situation and determine the equipment required.
Medical assistance is also being arranged, while India has offered Bailey bridges and technical teams to help restore road connectivity in areas where infrastructure has been damaged.
Separately, India has offered NDRF personnel and equipment to support ongoing search and rescue operations. A response from Nepal regarding the deployment is awaited.
The disaster has caused widespread destruction, with entire settlements swept away and roads, bridges and hydropower facilities severely damaged. More than 1,400 people remain missing, including a large number of foreign nationals.
Earlier, Nepal indicated that it did not immediately require foreign search and rescue teams, stating that its security agencies were capable of managing the emergency. However, authorities clarified that Nepal was not opposed to international assistance and could seek specialised expertise if required.
Several countries have reportedly approached Nepal with offers of assistance as rescue and relief operations continue. India has maintained that it is prepared to provide whatever support Nepal requires as the country deals with the large scale devastation.
