India on Wednesday sent a fresh tranche of humanitarian aid comprising 35 tonnes of relief material and equipment onboard a C-17 transport aircraft to flood-ravaged Nepal, officials said.
The death toll from the devastating flash floods in Nepal climbed to 1,365 on Wednesday as more bodies were recovered from the affected areas, according to authorities.
The first tranche of relief material was sent by India hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to his Nepalese counterpart Balendra Shah on August 26, the day flash floods struck the Himalayan nation.
Since then, New Delhi has sent multiple consignments, including relief supplies and essential medicines, besides deploying an Indian tunnel rescue team, who are continuing to work alongside the Nepalese Army, and a forensic team to aid in the identification of mortal remains of the victims.
India on September 3 night had dispatched its sixth tranche of over 21 tonnes of essential relief supplies on board two military transport aircraft to flood-ravaged Nepal.
“In continuance of the efforts from India for helping Nepal in HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) work, a C-17 transport aircraft of the IAF departed today, carrying 35 tonnes of relief material and equipment,” a defence official said.
On Wednesday, rescue teams continued to search for 5,326 people, including at least 589 foreign nationals, who remain missing, according to a Nepal Police news bulletin.
Rescue teams recovered 363 bodies from Chitwan district, 226 from Nawalparasi East, 222 from Nawalparasi West and 197 from Nuwakot.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka on Wednesday handed over USD 1 million to Nepal for the ongoing humanitarian and relief efforts following the devastating floods in the Himalayan Nation.
The Sri Lankan Ambassador to Nepal, Ruwanthi Delpitiya, met Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal on Wednesday and handed over the contribution.
“Ambassador Delpitiya reiterated, on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka, deep sympathy and solidarity with the people of Nepal and extended heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the disaster,” according to an official statement.
“The financial assistance is intended to support the ongoing humanitarian, relief and recovery efforts of the Government of Nepal and assist communities affected by the floods and landslides,” the statement added.
The handing over of the contribution further reflects the close and longstanding bonds of friendship, solidarity and cooperation between Sri Lanka and Nepal.
Sri Lanka remains committed to standing with Nepal and its people in times of need and strengthening the enduring relations between the two countries.
The USD 1 million contribution will support ongoing humanitarian assistance and relief operations for people affected by the floods.
The Government of Sri Lanka will continue to remain engaged with the Government of Nepal and explore appropriate avenues to support ongoing relief and recovery efforts.
The massive flash flood originating in Tibet swept through central Nepal on August 26, devastating several towns and villages, washing away critical bridges and crippling a dozen hydropower projects, as it gushed downstream, affecting multiple districts.
The Bhotekoshi River, which flows south from the Himalayan border region, carried the floodwaters downstream, sweeping away homes, vehicles, roads and bridges and damaging hydropower projects.
