Nepal flash flood: India sends tunnel rescue team to Nepal

Published - August 29, 2026 10:32 pm IST - NEW DELHI

A tunnel rescue team from India has reached Nepal on Saturday (August 29, 2026) to help the ongoing search-and-rescue operations in the aftermath of the flash floods, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. In its latest move, India has sent three aircraft carrying relief materials to Nepal since the disaster hit Bhote Kosi river region on August 26. The MEA has stated that at least 287 Indians remain missing as on Saturday (August 29, 2026) and in addition, 128 persons of Indian origin are also missing following the disaster.

Besides, six Indian teams of forensic experts are expected to reach Nepal during the weekend, the MEA has said. These experts will work on the ground to identify mortal remains that are being recovered in the disaster-hit areas.

India had on Friday (August 28) sent a recce team for tunnel rescue operations that are urgently required to help people who are trapped in multiple under-construction hydropower project sites. The tunnel rescue team with specific machineries have been sent as per the recommendations of the recce team.

In Kathmandu, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the country’s government “is making every attempt to locate local and foreign nationals” who were affected by the disaster. The MEA said that four Indian nationals — Ripu Kumar, Chaneshwar Narzary, Kripa Shankar, Mohammed Minhajuddin — were rescued from a hydropower project site in Rasuwa district on Saturday (August 29).

Published - August 29, 2026 10:32 pm IST