India has sent 62 tonnes of emergency relief supplies to Nepal after devastating flash floods struck the Himalayan nation on Wednesday, becoming the first major country to physically deliver humanitarian assistance following the disaster.
The swift response has highlighted India’s “first responder” role in the region, with the country having provided emergency assistance during disasters in several countries in recent years.
India sends aid in three airlifts
By Friday evening, India had delivered the relief material to Nepal through three airlifts. The first Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft carried 10 tonnes of supplies, including temporary shelters, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps and medicines.
A C-17 aircraft followed with 37.5 tonnes of assistance. The consignment included tents, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps, dewatering pumps, kitchen sets and generators, along with medicines and food items.
Another flight carrying 10 tonnes of humanitarian supplies left for Kathmandu on Friday. India’s assistance so far has largely been in the form of physical relief material rather than a cash contribution.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah soon after the disaster and offered India’s support for rescue and relief operations.
Countries step up support
Several countries and international organisations have also announced assistance as Nepal deals with the scale of the disaster.
China has committed emergency supplies and financial assistance, although arrangements for transferring the funds and delivering physical aid were still being worked out.
The UAE has allocated $10 million, while the UK has pledged £5 million for humanitarian assistance and recovery. Australia has announced a $5 million package, with funds going to the World Food Programme and humanitarian organisations.
South Korea and Sri Lanka have each pledged $1 million. The US has committed $500,000 for emergency shelter, relief supplies, clean water and hygiene needs, and is also sending a disaster-response adviser.
UN, World Bank also provide assistance
The World Bank has indicated that up to ₹25 billion ($163.55 million) could be mobilised for Nepal’s emergency response and recovery.
The UN Central Emergency Response Fund has released $2.5 million, while the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has released nearly CHF 1 million for the Nepal Red Cross Society’s immediate response. It has also launched a CHF 25 million Emergency Appeal.
As of Saturday morning, at least 579 people had died in Nepal and seven in Tibet. More than 1,900 people were missing in Nepal, including at least 320 Indians and 100 Indian-origin people. In Tibet, 554 people remained unaccounted for.