Nepal Tragedy: India's Special Teams Engaged in Rescue and DNA Identification

India's Comprehensive Support in Nepal's Disaster Response

Amidst the devastating floods and landslides recently striking Nepal, the Government of India has fully committed its resources to relief and rescue operations under its 'Neighbourhood First' policy. Essential supplies are being ensured alongside specialized technical teams to address the complex challenges in the affected areas.

An advanced Indian tunnel rescue team, equipped with specialized gear, has arrived in Kathmandu. This team's primary objective is to safely extricate individuals trapped in the tunnels of hydropower projects. Concurrently, a 19-member special forensic team from India has been dispatched to Nepal to scientifically identify victims of the severe disaster.

This forensic team is collaborating with local authorities to collect and analyze DNA samples of the deceased. The goal is to provide definitive identification for the victims and offer justice to their families.

Tunnel Rescue Operations and DNA Identification Underway

The Embassy of India in Kathmandu shared on 'X' (formerly Twitter) that India's tunnel rescue team has commenced search and rescue operations alongside the Nepali Army at hydropower tunnel sites in the Chilime and Langtang regions.

Utilizing advanced technology, including modern sensors and cutters, Indian engineers and experts are working to create safe pathways within the tunnels. This effort is proving to be a lifesaver for Nepal in this difficult situation. The 19-member forensic team is providing full technical assistance to Nepali administration in tackling the urgent challenge of identifying unidentified bodies recovered from the disaster.

Extensive Humanitarian Aid and Citizen Evacuation

Beyond specialized teams, the Government of India continues its all-encompassing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) efforts. More than 68.5 tons of essential relief materials and life-saving medicines have been delivered to Kathmandu in four major consignments via special military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force.

According to the embassy, the fourth consignment, weighing 11 tons, has been handed over, containing crucial relief items such as blankets, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, plastic sheets, and hygiene kits. Meanwhile, the Indian government is actively engaged in the safe evacuation of its citizens stranded in flood-affected areas.

India's Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, met with three Indian citizens and their Nepali associate who were safely rescued by the Nepali Army from the severely affected Chilime village in the Rasuwa district. Earlier, swift efforts by the Indian mission had successfully evacuated a large group of Indian citizens stranded in disaster-hit zones, underscoring the Indian Ministry of External Affairs' paramount commitment to the safety of its citizens during crises.