KATHMANDU: India has sent a third tranche of relief materials to earthquake victims in Nepal as part of continued support to the Himalayan nation at the time of the crisis.
“Acting on the commitment of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the third tranche of over 12 tonnes of earthquake relief support comprising blankets, sleeping bags, tents and essential medical supplies, etc. reached Nepal on November 9, 2023, via a special Indian Air Force (IAF) C-130 flight,” a release from the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu stated.
India, also the first responder after the November 3 earthquake, has provided 33 tonnes of emergency relief materials for the earthquake-affected families in Nepal through three special Indian Air Force flights.
The support included tents and tarpaulin sheets, blankets, sleeping bags, as well as, vital medicines, medical equipment such as surgical equipment, portable ventilators and hygiene supplies to meet the urgent requirements of the earthquake-affected families.
“India’s swift response affirms its commitment to support Nepal as a close friend and neighbour. As Nepal’s foremost development partner, India has been steadfast in its efforts to support the people of Nepal in this difficult time. India will continue to provide support based on the priorities and guidance provided by the Government of Nepal,” the release stated.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Indian Air Force’s C-130 J aircraft carrying over 9 tonnes of relief material departed from India to deliver relief material to Nepalgunj as the ongoing humanitarian relief mission for Nepal continues. The IAF noted that the overall relief material that has been airlifted for Nepal is more than 21 tonnes. The strong tremor, which even jolted the national capital and parts of north India, left 157 dead and scores injured.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that this rapid response aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Neighbourhood First Policy,” emphasising India’s commitment to supporting its neighbouring nations in times of crisis. “Providing emergency relief assistance to earthquake-affected areas of Nepal. As a first responder, India delivers medicines and relief material. PM Narendra Modi’s Neighbourhood First policy in action,” EAM Jaishankar posted from his official handle on X.
The first consignment of emergency relief materials worth Rs 10 Crores arrived at Nepalgunj, Nepal, on Sunday, the Indian Embassy in Nepal informed through an official release.
A special Indian Air Force C-130 flight transported the consignment of over 11 tonnes of emergency relief materials, including tents and tarpaulin sheets, blankets, and sleeping bags, as well as essential medicines and medical equipment such as portable ventilators, for the affected people, it said.
The emergency aid package to Nepal reaffirmed India’s commitment to be the first responder in crisis situations in its neighbourhood and beyond. Following the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, New Delhi was the first responder as it carried out its largest disaster relief operation abroad — ‘Operation Maitri’.
India had also extended $1 billion to Nepal as part of its long-term assistance for post-earthquake reconstruction in the housing, education, health, and cultural heritage sectors, which included the reconstruction of 50,000 houses in Nepal’s Gorkha and Nuwakot districts, the MEA release said. (ANI)