Flash flood in Nepal: India sends rescue team to Nepal

India on Friday, August 28, 2026 sent a survey team for rescue operations in the tunnels, which are urgently needed to help people who are trapped in several under-construction hydroelectric sites. Photo credit: X/DrSJaishankar

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

Besides, six Indian teams of forensic experts are expected to arrive in Nepal over the weekend, the MEA said. These experts will work on site to identify mortal remains found in disaster-stricken areas.

India on Friday (August 28) sent a survey team for rescue operations in the tunnels, which are urgently needed to help people trapped in several hydroelectric power plant sites under construction. A tunnel rescue team with specific machinery was dispatched as recommended by the survey team.

Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kathmandu said the government would “make every effort to find local and foreign nationals” affected by the disaster. The MEA said 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).

The Indian embassy in Kathmandu said it was working closely with Nepalese authorities, including the Nepali police, to ensure that the remains of the Indian nationals could be handed over to the next of kin after identification. He has provided helpline numbers and email IDs for those seeking information: +977 985 131 6807, +977 970 910 7500, +977 981 032 6117 and eoikathmandufloodsupport@gmail.com

In connection with the identification of the remains of the victims of the recent flash floods in Nepal, the Government of Nepal has released photographs and descriptions of the deceased, which are available at

Published – 29 Aug 2026 22:32 IST