New Delhi, August 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India will mobilise Bailey bridges to support rescue and relief operations in Nepal after devastating flash floods swept through the Himalayan country, killing hundreds and causing extensive damage, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had already sent 47.5 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to Kathmandu through two aircraft and was considering further support.
“A C-130J aircraft took off yesterday at around 8:30 pm, carrying 10 tonnes of relief material, including temporary shelters, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps, medicines, etc.,” Jaiswal said at a media briefing.
A C-17 aircraft subsequently departed on Thursday morning carrying 37.5 tonnes of supplies. The consignment included 28.5 tonnes of relief items such as tents, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps, dewatering pumps, kitchen sets and generator sets, along with eight tonnes of medicines and one tonne of food items.
“In total, across the two departures by air, India has sent 47.5 tonnes of emergency supplies aimed at supporting Nepal’s ongoing rescue and relief operations,” Jaiswal said.
“Further assistance is also being considered. We are also mobilising Bailey bridges to assist in rescue and relief efforts,” he added.
The MEA has also established a round-the-clock control room to coordinate information and assistance for Indians affected by the disaster. Jaiswal said the ministry was in contact with state governments from which people had travelled for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
India’s embassies in Kathmandu and Beijing have also established 24-hour helplines. The MEA is coordinating with state governments through the Ministry of Home Affairs to track travellers and assist their families.
The floods originated in the Tibetan region of China and swept through the transboundary Bhote Koshi River, causing widespread destruction in Nepal.
Nepal Police said on Thursday afternoon that the death toll from the floods had reached 270, with bodies continuing to be recovered from downstream districts.
Chitwan recorded the highest number of recovered bodies at 108, followed by Nawalparasi East with 62, Dhading with 27 and Rasuwa with 17.
The Nepali government said more than 800 people remained out of contact after the floods affected settlements, hydropower projects, customs offices and electricity infrastructure, among other areas.
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