India Sends 47.5 Tonne Aid to Nepal After Bhotekoshi Floods
Following the devastating floods that ravaged Nepal’s Bhotekoshi River region, India has mobilised a significant humanitarian airlift, delivering a total of 47.5 tonnes of emergency supplies.
The operation involved two aircraft. A C‑130J transport took off on Wednesday night, carrying 10 tonnes of relief goods such as temporary shelters, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps and essential medicines. The next day, a larger C‑17 aircraft departed with 37.5 tonnes, which included 28.5 tonnes of relief items (tents, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps, water‑pumping equipment, kitchen sets and generators), eight tonnes of medicines and one tonne of food rations.
A spokesperson, Randheer Jaiswal, confirmed that the aid is part of a broader rescue effort that also involves sending a Bell Bridge to assist flood‑stricken areas. Discussions are ongoing about further assistance, contingent on the evolving situation on the ground.
The floods were triggered by a massive landslide in the upper Bhotekoshi River, unleashing a torrent that destroyed villages, roads, hydropower projects and transmission lines across the lower basin.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), 469 victims have been recovered, with the highest death tolls in Chitwan (178) and East Nawalparasi (110). Additional fatalities were recorded in Gorkha (44), Nuwakot (37), Tanahun (28), West Nawalparasi (27), Dhading (23) and Rasuwa (12).
The disaster has left 977 people missing, of whom 517 are foreign nationals. The Ministry of External Affairs reported that 290 Indian citizens remain out of contact. The United States estimates about 90 Americans could be affected, while China says roughly 100 Chinese nationals are missing.
The missing list also comprises 127 Nepali citizens living abroad, as well as 28 police officers, 45 army personnel, 13 armed police, 15 customs staff and four immigration officials from Nepal.
In total, at least 73 individuals have been injured: 43 in Rasuwa, three in Dhading and 27 in Nuwakot.