275 Indians remain missing after Nepal flash floods, 166 rescued : MEA
As many as 275 Indian nationals remain missing while 166 others have been rescued following the devastating flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said 1,907 Indian nationals had safely crossed into Nepal from China, while no Indian travellers were currently stranded in the Tibetan Autonomous Region, according to official Chinese sources.
“As per our information, 275 Indian nationals remain missing. We continue to be in close touch with the Nepali government,” Jaiswal said at his regular media briefing.
“We deeply appreciate the efforts of the Nepalese authorities in this regard. So far, 166 Indian nationals have been rescued and 1,907 Indian nationals have safely crossed into Nepal from China,” he added.
The death toll from the floods has risen to at least 1,295, according to Nepalese authorities. More than 12,000 people have been rescued, while around 5,000 remain missing as search and rescue operations continue.
Jaiswal said India had supplied around 95 tonnes of relief material to Nepal on seven aircraft since the floods struck on August 26.
India has also deployed 54 personnel to support relief and rescue operations, including 30 tunnel rescue experts, 19 forensic experts and a five-member medical team.
“Our rescue and forensic teams are deployed on the ground, and they are working closely with the Nepalese authorities,” Jaiswal said.
He said India would continue providing assistance based on Nepal's requirements and plans to send more forensic kits, Bailey bridges and other requested materials.
The first tranche of relief material was sent to Nepal hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to his Nepalese counterpart Balendra Shah on August 26 and assured him of all possible humanitarian assistance.
The floods have damaged 35 motorable bridges, 45 suspension bridges and around 40 km of black-topped roads, mainly in central Nepal, according to local authorities.