India Boosts Technical Aid for Nepal Tunnel Rescue Effort

KATHMANDU – The Ministry of External Affairs announced that India has intensified its technical support for the ongoing tunnel‑rescue operation in Rasuwa district, where four Indian nationals have recently been freed.

A specialised Indian team, equipped with state‑of‑the‑art rescue gear, landed in Kathmandu on Thursday and commenced work inside the Trishuli‑3 ‘A’ hydropower tunnel on Friday. The ministry said a second, fully outfitted tunnel‑rescue squad is expected to reach Nepal on Saturday, bringing additional manpower and equipment.

The rescue follows a massive clearing drive by Nepali forces, which have removed large amounts of debris to facilitate access to the tunnel’s interior. Over 80 security personnel from the army, armed police and Nepal police continue to operate in the hazardous environment.

Further assistance includes a six‑member Indian forensic team scheduled to travel to Kathmandu to help identify bodies recovered after the region’s recent floods and landslides using DNA analysis.

The MEA reported that 88 Indian citizens have been rescued to date, while 287 remain missing. The combined Indian‑Nepal operation aims to overcome the challenges posed by ongoing monsoon rains, flooding and landslides, ensuring the safe evacuation of all trapped individuals.