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Amidst the massive devastation caused by heavy rains, devastating landslides and flash floods in the neighboring country Nepal, India has once again shown its unwavering friendship and ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. Acting as a rescuer in this critical hour, the Government of India has launched a large-scale Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operation to help the flood victims of Nepal. In this series, a heavy military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has left for Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport from Hindon Airbase in New Delhi carrying the first consignment of more than 10 tonnes of emergency relief material and life-saving medicines.
What is included in the relief material: Immediate help for the homeless and injured
Keeping in mind the priority needs expressed by the Government of Nepal, this 10 ton relief consignment sent by India includes essential basic items for the displaced and homeless people.
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Emergency Shelter Kit: Hundreds of waterproof family tents, sleeping bags, tarpaulins and warm blankets have been sent to protect against heavy rain and cold.
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Life-saving medicines and medical supplies: This includes essential antibiotics, pain relievers, ORS packets, anti-venom, burn ointments, bandages and surgical instruments to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases and infections after floods.
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Water Purification and Hygiene Kits: Chlorine tablets, water purification units, sanitary pads, soaps and disinfectant liquids have been sent in large quantities to flood-affected areas to prevent epidemics caused by contaminated drinking water.
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Ready-to-Eat Food Packets: Immediately consumable nutritious dry ration and energy-boosting food packets for the people stranded in inaccessible areas due to disconnection are also part of this consignment.
India’s unwavering resolve as ‘first responder’
On this relief mission, conducted in joint coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Defence, India has made it clear that it stands strongly with the people and government of Nepal in this difficult time. India has always been the ‘first responder’ country at the time of any natural disaster in the South Asian region.
Be it the devastating earthquake of 2015 or the Jajarkot earthquake of 2023, the Indian Armed Forces and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have always saved thousands of lives by descending on ground zero. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu is in 24-hour contact with the Nepali Home Ministry and Disaster Management Authority so that the relief material can be delivered directly to the actual affected people without any delay.
India ready for additional cooperation in rescue at Ground Zero
Apart from sending relief material, the Government of India has also assured Nepal that if the need arises, expert Urban Search & Rescue Teams of NDRF, sniffer dogs, satellite communication equipment and special rescue helicopters of the Indian Army are also ready to fly to Nepal from standby mode immediately.
In view of the swelling in the catchment areas of Nepal and border rivers, hydrological departments and flood control centers of both the countries are sharing real-time data so that the loss of life and property can be minimized on both sides of the border.
This prompt and generous assistance from India has been warmly welcomed by the administration and local people of Nepal, which further deepens the age-old historical, cultural and intimate ‘Roti-Beti’ relations between the two countries.