New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs shared an update on Saturday, August 29, on the rescue operations involving Indians in Nepal, even as the death toll from the flash floods rose to 669, with more bodies being recovered. More than 2,000 people are still missing following the disaster.
An ice-rock avalanche following a glacial collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border sent a torrent of water, mud and debris downstream, wiping out towns and villages, damaging crucial infrastructure and washing away hydropower stations through central Nepal on Wednesday.
Nearly 2,500 people, including 163 foreigners, were evacuated as rescue teams led by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) raced against time amid on-and-off rainfall in the flood-affected regions.
Meanwhile, taking to X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared that four Indian nationals were rescued on the day from a hydropower project in Rasuwa and are expected to reach Kathmandu soon.
They have been identified as Ripu Kumar, Chaneshwar Narzary, Kripa Shankar, and Mohammed Minajuddin.
In addition, another 120 Indians crossed into Nepal from China during the day, his post said.
In all, 88 Indian nationals have been rescued as of Saturday, while 287 are still missing. Another 128 persons of Indian origin are also missing, said Jaiswal’s post.
Forensics teams for Nepal
As many as six forensics teams from India have set off for Nepal “to assist in analysis of DNA samples for identification of mortal remains,” said the post.
In other developments, a tunnel rescue reconnaissance team that had reached the neighbouring country on Friday has begun work to help with tunnel rescue in the area. Another specialised team, along with equipment, is set to reach Nepal on Saturday.
