MEA: 163 Indians rescued in Nepal after flash floods

India has rescued 163 Indian nationals in Nepal following the devastating flash floods that struck the country on August 26, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Tuesday. The update, shared by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, noted that five more individuals were rescued since the previous day's count.

In addition to the rescue efforts, a 19-member specialised forensics team from India began operations in Kathmandu on Sunday. A tunnel rescue team has also been deployed, working to reach potentially trapped individuals in hydropower tunnels in the Chilime area.

The tunnel rescue team faced significant challenges, including extremely restricted access space, limitations on using specialised equipment due to the terrain, and a marshy tunnel floor. Using innovative methods and improvised floats, the team managed to move deeper into the tunnel, with efforts continuing to locate any trapped individuals.

The flash floods, triggered by a collapse or avalanche of ice and rock near the Nepal-Tibet border, devastated towns and villages in northern and central Nepal. The MEA also reported that 151 Indian nationals who had left China have returned.