Nepal floods death toll climbs to 1,252 as rescue efforts continue

India shipped its sixth batch of over 21 tonnes of essential relief supplies to Nepal on Thursday night via two military transport planes, as the death toll from last week's flash floods in Nepal climbed to at least 1,259. Rescue workers have recovered more bodies from affected regions, but roughly 5,000 people remain missing. While search and rescue operations continue, around 12,000 individuals have been rescued thus far.

India has already delivered a total of 74 tonnes of relief materials to Nepal. New Delhi had also dispatched a team of doctors and paramedics, along with equipment for rescue efforts. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed India's continued humanitarian aid to Nepal through a social media post.

The additional assistance will bolster ongoing relief and rescue operations, supporting affected communities, Jaiswal added. The first shipment of relief materials was sent by India immediately after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with his Nepalese counterpart Balendra Shah on August 26, the day the devastating flash floods struck. Modi assured Shah of India's full support in dealing with the crisis.

The floods have destroyed 35 motorable bridges, 45 suspension bridges, and 40 km of black-topped roads, primarily in central Nepal, according to local authorities.