New Delhi, Aug. 28 -- India is stepping up humanitarian assistance to Nepal in the wake of the recent tragedy, with a third aircraft carrying relief material expected to be sent to the neighbouring country, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday.

Addressing a press briefing here, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said two aircraft carrying relief material had already been sent to Nepal, while preparations were underway for additional assistance.

The death toll from Nepal's devastating flash floods in the Bhotekoshi River area of Rasuwa has risen to 538, while 977 people remain missing, according to an update from Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).

Jaiswal said India is preparing to...