New Delhi: The fourth Indian flight carrying technical support and crucial supplies for Nepal’s search, rescue, and relief missions landed in Kathmandu, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced on Sunday.

EAM Jaishankar confirmed that the Indian Air Force C-130 transport aircraft carried extra aid, specialised personnel, and equipment to assist the flood-ravaged nation.

“The fourth Indian flight has touched down in Kathmandu. It brings essential supplies and technical capabilities to support Nepal’s ongoing rescue & relief operations,” Jaishankar posted on X.

Prior to its arrival, the minister stated that the flight was loaded with 11 tonnes of aid. The consignment delivered a specialised tunnel technical unit, search-and-rescue gear, a forensic crew, and DNA analysis tools, alongside essential provisions such as sleeping bags, blankets, tarpaulins, plastic sheets, and sanitation kits.

Additionally, EAM Jaishankar highlighted India's major contribution toward rebuilding flood-damaged critical infrastructure. He noted that 16 trucks carrying parts for a 230-foot Single Lane Modular Steel Bridge had crossed into Nepal, with components for seven additional Bailey bridges scheduled for delivery soon. Specialist teams tasked with assembling the structures are also slated to arrive shortly.

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To date, India has airlifted 68.5 tonnes of relief goods to Kathmandu, including medical kits, mobile generators, food packages, water treatment tablets, and technical apparatus.

“Our support to the relief and rescue efforts of Nepal continues,” EAM Jaishankar said.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India's relief operation launched on Wednesday with an IAF C-130J Hercules deploying 10 tonnes of initial supplies, such as medical kits, solar lamps, temporary housing materials, blankets, and hygiene products. A second dispatch followed on Thursday, with an IAF C-17 Globemaster airlifting 37.5 tonnes of cargo—including tents, dewatering pumps, generator sets, cooking sets, 8 tonnes of medicine, and a tonne of food items.

This ongoing support reflects India's sustained commitment to aiding Nepal's disaster recovery through immediate humanitarian aid and long-term technical infrastructure restoration. (IANS)