NEW DELHI — India has swiftly mobilized humanitarian assistance for Nepal after catastrophic floods there killed more than 300 people and left over 1,000 missing, the Indian government said on Thursday.
The Indian Air Force dispatched a C-130J loaded with 10 tonnes of relief and medical supplies, with additional consignments scheduled on C-17 and C-130 aircraft, officials said. Helicopters have been deployed for rescue and evacuation operations. New Delhi said it has so far airlifted a total of 47.5 tonnes of emergency aid to Kathmandu.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the shipments included medicines and food, and that India’s relief efforts are ongoing. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar convened a review meeting with MEA officials and Indian envoys in Kathmandu and Beijing to coordinate search, rescue and consular assistance. Jaishankar posted that efforts are underway to ascertain the well-being of all Indians in the affected zones, and that the MEA is coordinating with state governments, tour operators and project authorities.
The MEA reported 288 Indians missing in Nepal, including workers on hydropower projects and several tourist groups; 21 people from Tamil Nadu have been rescued. Jaiswal said about 200 Indians in Tibet have sought help from Indian authorities. New Delhi said it will continue to provide all possible assistance as Nepal tackles the emergency.