India dispatches second aid consignment to flood-ravaged Nepal

India on Thursday dispatched a second tranche of humanitarian relief supplies to flood-hit Nepal, sending 37.5 tonnes of aid aboard a military transport aircraft.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the consignment included Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) materials, medicines and food packets. India had sent an initial 10-tonne consignment to Nepal on Wednesday.

"India remains in close and continuous touch with the Nepalese authorities," Jaishankar said, adding that New Delhi would continue to support Nepal's ongoing relief operations.

Nepal has been severely affected by flash floods along its border with Tibet, with at least 160 people reported dead and widespread destruction caused by the disaster.

The latest assistance follows a conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah, during which Modi assured India’s full support for rescue and relief efforts.

The first consignment included emergency supplies such as temporary shelters, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps and medicines. India is expected to send additional relief material to Nepal in the coming days.

with inputs from PTI