02 September,2026 08:24 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/PTI
Five more Indian nationals have been rescued in flood-hit Nepal since Monday, taking the total number of Indians rescued to 163, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Tuesday, as search and rescue operations continued in areas devastated by last week's floods.
The MEA said Indian rescue and forensic teams were continuing to assist Nepalese authorities in the aftermath of the disaster, which has claimed more than 1,000 lives and left thousands of people out of contact.
The ministry also said that 151 Indian nationals left China on Tuesday, though it did not provide further details in its statement.
The MEA said an Indian tunnel rescue team had established a foothold at hydropower tunnels in Chilime but was facing significant operational challenges while attempting to reach people who may still be trapped inside.
"After establishing a foothold at hydropower tunnels in Chilime, the Indian tunnel rescue team had to overcome several challenges such as extremely restricted access space, limitations on use of specialised equipment due to terrain, and a marshy tunnel floor. Using innovative methods and improvised floats, the team was able to move deeper in the tunnel. Its efforts will continue tomorrow to try and rescue any individuals that may be trapped inside," stated the Ministry.
Rescue teams are continuing their efforts despite difficult terrain and restricted access to some of the affected sites.
The Indian forensic team has also expanded its operations in coordination with Nepalese authorities to assist with the identification and examination of bodies recovered after the floods.
"The forensic team from India expanded its activities today in coordination with its counterparts from Nepal to undertake tasks such as examination of DNA and analysis. This will help expedite the processing of DNA samples in Nepal," the MEA said.
The assistance comes as authorities continue to recover bodies from rivers and other areas affected by the disaster.
More than 1,000 people have now been confirmed dead following the devastating floods, with bodies continuing to be recovered along riverbanks and in affected districts.
The number of bodies recovered has reached 1,003, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) said in an update on Tuesday.
The highest number of bodies - 321 - was recovered in southern Chitwan district, followed by 216 in Nawalparasi East.
The scale of the disaster has made search and identification operations particularly challenging, with authorities continuing to assess the full extent of the damage and casualties.
According to the NDRRMA, 3,916 people, including 583 foreign nationals, remain out of contact following the floods.
Personnel from the Nepali Army, Armed Police Force, Nepal Police and other government agencies are among those reported missing.
The large number of people who remain unaccounted for has added to concerns that the toll could rise as search teams gain access to areas that were cut off or heavily damaged by the floods.
The disaster has also affected workers and personnel deployed at hydropower facilities along major river corridors.
According to the NDRRMA, 639 people working at various hydropower projects along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors have remained out of contact since last week's floods.
Government authorities said search, rescue and relief operations were continuing across the affected districts, with security personnel and disaster response teams working to locate missing people and provide assistance to survivors.
(With inputs from IANS)
