India Sends 68.5 Tonnes Of Relief, Tunnel Experts And Bailey Bridge Equipment To Flood-Hit Nepal

India has dispatched 68.5 tonnes of relief materials, specialized technical teams, and equipment to Nepal following devastating flash floods that have left more than 700 people dead and nearly 2,500 missing. A fourth flight of supplies landed in Nepal on Sunday, carrying a tunnel technical contingent and equipment for search and rescue operations in hydropower tunnels, forensic experts for DNA analysis, blankets, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, plastic sheets, and hygiene kits. An additional flight carrying 11 tonnes of relief supplies is en route.

India has sent an 11-member technical team comprising doctors, paramedics, and tunnel engineers to assess hydropower tunnels in Nepal's Trishuli area. They have also conducted an aerial survey of the Chilime and Langtang regions. Nepal has enlisted foreign expertise for DNA testing and other specialized tasks in the wake of the disaster.

Sixteen trucks carrying equipment for a 230-foot Bailey bridge have arrived in Nepal, with plans to supply seven more bridges. The portable bridges can be assembled quickly without heavy machinery or specialized tools. So far, 191 workers have been rescued from tunnels at hydropower projects, but more people are believed to be trapped.

Mud and debris, along with adverse weather conditions, have hampered rescue efforts. The flash floods hit the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors on Wednesday, causing widespread damage to infrastructure.