India has dispatched its fifth aircraft to flood-hit Nepal, carrying an 11-member rescue team, specialised equipment and 5.5 tonnes of essential medicines, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday.

The latest deployment comes as India expands its humanitarian, medical and technical assistance to Nepal following the devastating August 26 floods in the Bhotekoshi River area of Rasuwa, which caused widespread destruction and disrupted key transport and communication links.

The fifth aircraft adds to a growing Indian relief operation that has moved beyond emergency supplies to include specialised rescue capabilities and infrastructure support.

Over 68 tonnes of relief material already sent

India has already airlifted 68.5 tonnes of relief material to Kathmandu. The supplies include essential medicines, food packets, portable generators, water purification tablets, shelter materials and heavy technical equipment.

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On Sunday, India sent its fourth relief flight carrying 11 tonnes of essential supplies and specialised personnel to assist Nepal's rescue and recovery operations.

The shipment included blankets, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, plastic sheets and hygiene kits. Specialised equipment and personnel for complex tunnel search-and-rescue operations were also deployed.

A team of forensic experts equipped with specialised tools for DNA analysis has also arrived in Nepal to support authorities in victim identification and forensic assessments.

Bridge equipment to restore connectivity

India's assistance is also focused on restoring connectivity in areas where infrastructure has been severely affected by the floods.

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Jaishankar had earlier said that 16 trucks carrying equipment for a 230-foot Single Lane Modular Steel Bridge had reached Nepal. Equipment for seven additional Bailey bridges is also set to be dispatched, along with technical teams to facilitate their rapid installation.

The assistance combines immediate humanitarian relief with specialised search-and-rescue operations and infrastructure support as Nepal continues to deal with the aftermath of the disaster.

The Bhotekoshi River floods have caused extensive damage in the Rasuwa region, with hundreds of people reported dead or missing and critical transport and communication infrastructure affected.