India has sent a third relief flight to flood-hit Nepal as the Himalayan nation battles one of its deadliest recent disasters, with the death toll rising to 579 and nearly 1,924 people still unaccounted for, according to Nepal’s disaster management authorities. The Indian Air Force flight, which reached Kathmandu on Friday, August 28, carried 10 tonnes of humanitarian supplies, along with an 11-member team of doctors, paramedics and specialists assessing tunnel rescue operations. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India would continue supporting Nepal’s relief and rescue efforts, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier assured Nepal of “all possible humanitarian assistance”. India is also working to trace hundreds of its nationals affected by the floods.
Third Flight Brings Aid and Rescue Team
The latest consignment includes portable generator sets, dignity kits, food packets and water-purification tablets, supplies intended to address immediate needs in areas cut off or badly affected by the floods. Jaishankar said, “A third flight carrying 10 tonnes of humanitarian assistance has departed for Kathmandu,” adding that an 11-member medical and tunnel-rescue team was also on board. The team is expected to assess conditions and determine what specialised equipment may be needed for rescue operations, particularly around affected hydropower infrastructure.
The latest flight follows two earlier consignments. India sent 10 tonnes of emergency relief material on August 26, including temporary shelters, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps and medicines. A second aircraft carrying 37.5 tonnes of supplies followed on August 27. Together with the third flight, India has now dispatched 57.5 tonnes of relief material to Nepal.
Death Toll Rises As Rescue Operations Continue
The assistance comes as Nepal continues to deal with the aftermath of devastating flash floods along its border with Tibet. The disaster has destroyed infrastructure, disrupted communities and left thousands requiring urgent assistance. Nepal’s disaster management authority put the death toll at 579, while 1,924 people remained unaccounted for and more than 3,700 had been rescued. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies estimates that at least 93,000 people have been affected and are in great need, while UNICEF said around 17,000 children require urgent humanitarian assistance.
The crisis has also triggered a major effort to assist Indian nationals caught in the disaster. Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said around 320 Indian citizens remained uncontactable, while 96 Indians who had been stranded on the Chinese side had crossed into Nepal by land. India has also offered additional support, including Bailey bridges and specialised rescue assistance. Twenty-one pilgrims from Tamil Nadu who were rescued by the Nepal Army have since returned to India.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Disasters do not recognise borders, nationalities or politics. In moments of overwhelming loss, the priority must remain saving lives, reaching vulnerable communities and ensuring that help reaches those who need it most. India’s assistance to Nepal, alongside the work of Nepali responders and support from other countries and humanitarian organisations, reflects the importance of regional solidarity during a crisis.
At the same time, Nepal has stressed that its own rescue teams are leading operations and that it will seek international expertise according to specific needs. Respecting that agency while offering timely, practical support is essential to meaningful humanitarian cooperation. Effective coordination, shared information, rapid deployment of medical teams and equipment, and clear communication with affected communities can reduce confusion and prevent duplication of efforts. As rescue operations continue and families wait for news of loved ones, how can countries in the region work together to make disaster response faster, more compassionate and more effective?
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