The 4th IAF C-130 flight carrying 11 tonnes of assistance is airborne, with tunnel search-and-rescue experts, forensic teams, relief supplies and technical equipment.
NEW DELHI — Step-by-step assistance from India continues to reach Nepal following the devastating flash floods that struck the Himalayan country on August 26. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that a fourth Indian Air Force (IAF) C-130 aircraft carrying an additional 11 tonnes of aid has taken off to bolster ongoing search, rescue, and medical efforts.
“The 4th flight from India with 11 tonnes of assistance is now airborne,” EAM Jaishankar posted on X. He detailed that the aircraft carries a specialized tunnel technical contingent equipped with search and rescue equipment, a team of forensic experts for DNA analysis, and relief supplies including blankets, tarpaulin sheets, sleeping bags, plastic sheets, and hygiene kits.
Highlighting ground-level assistance to rebuild damaged infrastructure, EAM Jaishankar noted that 16 trucks transporting components for a 230-foot Single Lane Modular Steel Bridge have successfully arrived in Nepal. Furthermore, equipment for installing seven additional Bailey bridges is set to be supplied soon, accompanied by specialized technical teams arriving shortly to execute installation.
To date, India’s combined airlift operations have delivered approximately 68.5 tonnes of critical relief items to Kathmandu, including essential medicines, portable generators, food packets, water purification tablets, and technical rescue machinery.
“Our support to the relief and rescue efforts of Nepal continues,” Jaishankar added, underscoring New Delhi’s commitment to standing by its neighbor.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India’s multi-phased air operation commenced immediately following Wednesday’s disaster:
August 26: An IAF C-130J Hercules airlifted the initial consignment of 10 tonnes, containing temporary shelters, hygiene kits, solar lamps, blankets, and essential medicines.
August 27: An IAF C-17 Globemaster delivered 37.5 tonnes of aid, including dewatering pumps, kitchen sets, large generators, 8 tonnes of medicines, and 1 tonne of food items.
August 28: A C-130J Hercules transported a 5-member Indian Army tunnel rescue reconnaissance team along with a 6-member medical team and 10 tonnes of equipment. The specialized tunnel rescue team commenced operations on the ground on Saturday.
The MEA reiterated that further targeted assistance, tailored to the specific needs of Nepal’s disaster response authorities, continues to be mobilized.
