8 September 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : India has stepped up its humanitarian assistance to flood-hit Nepal, with a fifth aircraft carrying an 11-member specialised rescue team and 5.5 tonnes of essential medicines departing for the neighbouring country.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar confirmed the deployment on Wednesday, saying the rescue team was equipped with specialised equipment to support ongoing relief operations.
11-Member Rescue Team Deployed
The latest aircraft is carrying an 11-member specialised rescue team along with search-and-rescue equipment.
The team will assist local authorities as rescue operations continue in areas affected by severe flooding, landslides and damaged infrastructure.
5.5 Tonnes of Essential Medicines
The aircraft is also carrying 5.5 tonnes of essential medicines to support medical relief efforts in flood-affected areas.
The supplies are intended to help address healthcare needs as authorities continue dealing with the consequences of the disaster.
Nepal Flood Death Toll Rises
The latest Indian assistance comes as Nepal continues to grapple with the devastating impact of floods.
According to Nepal Police figures cited on September 2, the death toll had risen to 1,127. Bodies have been recovered from several affected districts, while identification and recovery operations remain underway.
India’s Humanitarian Response
The latest deployment is part of India’s broader Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) effort and reflects its Neighbourhood First approach towards disaster assistance in the region.
India has been sending relief supplies and specialised personnel to support Nepal’s emergency response.
Rescue Operations Continue
Rescue teams continue to face difficult conditions in several parts of Nepal, with flooding and landslides affecting roads and other infrastructure.
The additional Indian team and medical supplies are expected to strengthen ongoing search-and-rescue and relief operations.
India-Nepal Cooperation
The emergency response highlights the close cooperation between India and Nepal during natural disasters.
The latest aircraft is part of India’s continuing effort to provide practical assistance to its neighbouring country as Nepal works to recover from the widespread flooding.