New Delhi, Aug. 26 -- The Indian Air Force is fully prepared to undertake relief and rescue operations in Nepal following devastating flash floods that have caused widespread destruction in the neighbouring country, according to Defence Ministry sources. India is preparing to send relief material to Nepal, with the IAF ready to carry out any mission assigned by the government. A C-130 aircraft is scheduled to leave for Nepal on Wednesday, while a C-17 aircraft is expected to depart on Thursday afternoon as part of the relief effort.
Relief supplies and equipment being prepared
The C-17 and C-130 aircraft have been placed on standby with relief supplies, medicines and earth-moving equipment. The resources are intended to support rescue and relief operations in areas affected by the floods.
The National Disaster Response Force has also been placed on standby should Nepal require additional assistance for rescue and relief operations.
Extensive damage reported in Nepal
The flash floods, triggered by floodwaters from the Tibetan side of the border, have caused extensive destruction in Nepal's Nuwakot and Dhading districts.
Several villages, settlements, roads and bridges have been washed away, while hydropower projects and other infrastructure have also suffered damage. Rescue teams are continuing operations as authorities assess the extent of the devastation. The Nepal Army has deployed helicopters and disaster-response personnel to the affected areas to assist with rescue efforts. India's preparations come as Nepal deals with a major humanitarian emergency, with hundreds of people reported missing, including more than 100 Indians.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.