India sends 4th relief flight to flood-hit Nepal; 108 Indian nationals rescued, 275 still missing

India has intensified efforts to aid Nepal following the devastating Bhote Koshi River floods on August 26. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported that 108 Indian nationals had been rescued as of 22:30 hours on Saturday, with contact also restored for 40 others. Additionally, 598 Indian nationals had safely crossed into Nepal from China, while around 900 remain in contact with the Indian Embassy in Beijing, awaiting departure.

However, efforts continue to locate 275 Indian nationals and 128 Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) reported missing.

In response, India dispatched a fourth Indian Air Force (IAF) flight carrying 11 tonnes of emergency aid to Kathmandu, including relief materials and technical equipment for tunnel search and rescue operations. The shipment contained essentials such as medicines, portable generators, food packets, water purification tablets, and heavy machinery. Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava confirmed the arrival of this latest consignment.

India has provided 68.5 tonnes of relief material since the floods struck, positioning itself as the first major country to deliver physical humanitarian aid to Nepal. This action solidifies India's reputation as a "first responder," highlighting its growing record of aid delivery to disaster-affected nations worldwide.