Nepal floods: India rescues 158 nationals as tunnel and forensic teams continue relief efforts

The Ministry of External Affairs MEA on Monday said that 158 Indian nationals have been rescued from Nepal following the devastating floods that struck the Himalayan nation last weekAs of 9 pm on Monday Indian rescue and technical teams were continuing operations in Nepal including specialised forensic work in Kathmandu and efforts to reach people at hydropower tunnel sites in floodaffected areasIndia has also continued sending relief material and specialised personnel to support Nepals response to the disaster with a fourth flight carrying assistance arriving in Kathmandu on SundayMEA confirms rescue of 158 Indian nationalsThe MEA said a total of 158 Indian nationals had been rescued as of Monday eveningldquoForensics team The specialised forensics team from India continued its work in Kathmandu in coordination with counterparts from Nepal Polices Forensic Science Laboratory They discussed the optimisation of various protocols and documentationrdquo the ministry saidThe specialised teams have been deployed as part of Indias broader assistance to Nepal following the floods which caused widespread destruction and disrupted transport and communication links in several areasOn Sunday Indias Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava met and briefed the forensic teamThe team subsequently held discussions with officials from Nepal Polices Central Forensic Science Laboratory in Kathmandu and the Forensics Department of the Tribhuvan University Teaching HospitalIndian forensic experts coordinate with Nepal authoritiesThe forensic team is working with Nepali counterparts to support efforts linked to the identification and documentation of victims affected by the disasterAccording to the MEA discussions focused on improving and coordinating protocols and documentation procedures between Indian and Nepali forensic teamsThe deployment of forensic specialists forms part of Indias technical assistance as authorities in Nepal continue search rescue and recovery operations in areas affected by the floodsThe scale of the disaster has created significant challenges for rescue agencies particularly in remote regions where access and communication have been severely affectedTunnel rescue team works at Chilime and Langtang sitesThe Indian tunnel rescue team continued operations in coordination with the Nepali Army at the Chilime and Langtang hydropower sitesldquoTunnel 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 tomorrowrdquo the MEA saidThe Indian team had joined the Nepali Army on Sunday to conduct search and rescue operations at hydropower tunnel sites in the Chilime and Langtang areasAmbassador Srivastava said the technical team was able to make progress at both locations despite adverse weather and difficult terrainOur 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 he saidFourth Indian relief flight arrives in KathmanduIndia has also continued to send humanitarian supplies to NepalA fourth flight carrying 11 tonnes of relief material arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday and the supplies were handed over to the concerned authoritiesThe 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 saidThe consignment included a specialised tunnel technical team equipped with searchandrescue equipment along with forensic experts capable of carrying out DNA analysisThe relief material also included blankets sleeping bags tarpaulins plastic sheets and hygiene kits for people affected by the disasterIndia continues technical and humanitarian supportThe deployment of specialised rescue and forensic teams highlights the continued focus on both search operations and the wider humanitarian responseWhile Indian teams continue to work with Nepali authorities and security forces difficult weather conditions and limited access to some disasterhit areas remain major challengesThe MEA said rescue and relief efforts would continue as Indian and Nepali teams work to reach affected locations support the identification of victims and provide assistance to people impacted by the floodsWith inputs from IANS