01 September,2026 08:18 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/AFP
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 week.
As 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 flood-affected areas.
India has also continued sending relief material and specialised personnel to support Nepal's response to the disaster, with a fourth flight carrying assistance arriving in Kathmandu on Sunday.
The MEA said a total of 158 Indian nationals had been rescued as of Monday evening.
"Forensics team: The specialised forensics team from India continued its work in Kathmandu in coordination with counterparts from Nepal Police's Forensic Science Laboratory. They discussed the optimisation of various protocols and documentation," the ministry said.
The specialised teams have been deployed as part of India's broader assistance to Nepal following the floods, which caused widespread destruction and disrupted transport and communication links in several areas.
On Sunday, India's Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, met and briefed the forensic team.
The team subsequently held discussions with officials from Nepal Police's Central Forensic Science Laboratory in Kathmandu and the Forensics Department of the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital.
The forensic team is working with Nepali counterparts to support efforts linked to the identification and documentation of victims affected by the disaster.
According to the MEA, discussions focused on improving and coordinating protocols and documentation procedures between Indian and Nepali forensic teams.
The deployment of forensic specialists forms part of India's technical assistance, as authorities in Nepal continue search, rescue and recovery operations in areas affected by the floods.
The scale of the disaster has created significant challenges for rescue agencies, particularly in remote regions where access and communication have been severely affected.
The Indian tunnel rescue team continued operations in coordination with the Nepali Army at the Chilime and Langtang hydropower sites.
"Tunnel 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 tomorrow," the MEA said.
The Indian team had joined the Nepali Army on Sunday to conduct search and rescue operations at hydropower tunnel sites in the Chilime and Langtang areas.
Ambassador Srivastava said the technical team was able to make progress at both locations despite adverse weather and difficult terrain.
"Our 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 said.
India has also continued to send humanitarian supplies to Nepal.
A fourth flight carrying 11 tonnes of relief material arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday and the supplies were handed over to the concerned authorities.
"The 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 said.
The consignment included a specialised tunnel technical team equipped with search-and-rescue equipment, along with forensic experts capable of carrying out DNA analysis.
The relief material also included blankets, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, plastic sheets and hygiene kits for people affected by the disaster.
The deployment of specialised rescue and forensic teams highlights the continued focus on both search operations and the wider humanitarian response.
While Indian teams continue to work with Nepali authorities and security forces, difficult weather conditions and limited access to some disaster-hit areas remain major challenges.
The 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 floods.
(With inputs from IANS)
