Kathmandu/New Delhi, August 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India is expanding its humanitarian assistance to Nepal following devastating flash floods in the neighbouring country, with a third aircraft carrying relief supplies scheduled to depart on Friday evening, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the third flight would carry around 12-13 tonnes of essential supplies based on requirements conveyed by the Nepalese authorities. The consignment includes portable generators, dignity kits, food, water purification tablets and medicines.
India launched its relief operation immediately after the disaster. The first aircraft departed on August 26 carrying 10 tonnes of supplies, including temporary shelters, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps and medicines.
A second aircraft left on August 27 with 37.5 tonnes of relief material. Its cargo included tents, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps, dewatering pumps, kitchen sets, generators, medicines and food items.
If the third flight departs as planned, India will have sent around 60 tonnes of humanitarian relief material to Nepal through the three consignments.
Jaiswal said India was also preparing additional assistance for rescue and relief operations. At Nepal’s request, a tunnel rescue team is being prepared, with a reconnaissance team being sent first to assess the situation on the ground and determine the equipment needed.
India is also sending a medical team to Nepal, while offering Bailey bridges and technical teams to help restore connectivity in flood-affected areas. One Bailey bridge is already available in Nepal and can be deployed for relief and connectivity operations, the MEA said.
The catastrophic flooding in the Bhote Koshi River region has caused extensive loss of life and infrastructure. Nearly 550 people have died, while 977 remain out of contact, according to the latest figures cited by the MEA.
The floods are believed to have been triggered by an avalanche on a transboundary river between Nepal and China upstream of the Bhote Koshi River. The resulting devastation swept away settlements, roads, hydropower projects and transmission infrastructure along downstream riverbanks.
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