1st shipment of relief materials handed over by India to flood-hit Nepal

Kathmandu: An official statement said that the Indian Embassy here delivered the first shipment of emergency relief supplies, such as blankets, sleeping bags, and tarpaulin sheets, to authorities in Nepal, which is now experiencing flooding.

According to a press statement from the Indian Embassy, the 4.2 tonnes of relief goods that were sent on Monday were intended for households in Nepal that had just been flooded.

Days of relentless downpours late last month triggered widespread floods and landslides, leaving more than 240 people dead across the Himalayan nation.

Transported to Nepalgunj from India, the consignment was handed over by Second Secretary Narayan Singh on behalf of the Indian government to the Chief District Officer of Banke, Khagendra Prasad Rijal, the press release said.

It comprised tarpaulins, sleeping bags, blankets, Chlorine tablets and water bottles.

The Indian government was also "arranging other essential hygiene items and medicines as well as other relief materials, which will be delivered soon," the press release said.

India continues to "remain steadfast" in extending all possible support to the Nepalese government in the aftermath of the devastation caused by the recent floods and landslides, it said.

India has been the first responder in crises in its neighbourhood and beyond.

Following the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, India was the first responder and carried out its largest disaster relief operation abroad – Operation Maitri.

India also assisted with relief materials in the aftermath of the Jajarkot earthquake in November 2023.

With PTI inputs