Nepal floods death toll rises to 675; over 275 Indians remain missing

The death toll from the devastating flash floods in Nepal has risen to 675, as search and rescue operations continue in the flood-hit areas. More than 275 Indian nationals remain missing or uncontactable, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Saturday.

The MEA said 108 Indian nationals had been rescued in Nepal. Contact has also been re-established with around 50 Indians who were earlier uncontactable.

The ministry said 128 people of Indian origin also remain uncontactable. Meanwhile, 598 Indian nationals have safely crossed into Nepal from China over the past two days, according to local government sources in China.

Around 900 Indians are still on the Chinese side. They are safe and remain contactable, the MEA said.

India has stepped up relief and rescue assistance to Nepal. 

Late on Saturday, India sent its fourth consignment of 11 tonnes of relief material to Nepal. The material was transported on an Indian Air Force C-130J military aircraft.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the aircraft also carried a technical team and equipment for search and rescue operations.

A team of forensic experts was also sent with forensic equipment for DNA analysis.

The team will assist Nepalese authorities in identifying the mortal remains of people killed in the floods.

Jaishankar also said 16 trucks carrying equipment for a 230-foot Single Lane Modular Steel Bridge had reached Nepal.

“Equipment for installation of seven more Bailey bridges will be supplied soon. Technical teams for their installation are expected to reach shortly,” he said. 

India has so far sent 68.5 tonnes of relief material to Nepal.

The MEA said four Indian nationals were rescued from a hydropower project in Rasuwa.

The four were identified as Ripu Kumar, Chaneshwar Narzary, Kripa Shankar and Mohammed Minhajuddin. They are expected to reach Kathmandu soon.

Rasuwa was among the areas badly affected by the floods.

The MEA said India was coordinating with both Nepal and China to assist Indian nationals affected by the disaster.

“As many Indian nationals were among those impacted by the flash floods on both the Nepal side and the China side, the government of India has been working in close coordination with the Nepali and Chinese authorities for the early rescue and relief efforts of those affected by the floods,” the ministry said.

The Ministry of External Affairs has also set up a round-the-clock control room. Separate helplines have been opened at the Indian embassies in Kathmandu and Beijing. The missions are coordinating with local authorities and other stakeholders involved in search, rescue and relief operations. They are also working to ensure the safety of rescued Indian nationals and facilitate their return to India wherever required. The missions are also monitoring and facilitating the movement of Indian nationals returning from the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra through Nepal.

India has also sent a specialised technical team for tunnel reconnaissance and rescue operations. The team began work in the affected area on Saturday.

“Based on their recommendation, a specialised tunnel rescue team from India with equipment is expected to reach Nepal today,” the MEA said.  (with inputs from PTI)