Following the devastating floods in Nepal's Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors, India and China have sent specialist search-and-rescue teams alongside substantial relief supplies to aid in rescue efforts, including efforts to locate people trapped in hydropower tunnels.
Kathmandu, August 30, 2026 – Nepal is receiving vital international assistance following the severe flooding in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors caused by flash floods on August 26, which resulted in significant loss of life and property. India and China have escalated their support from providing relief materials to sending specialist teams to assist rescue operations.
India dispatched 13 military personnel and a 19-member forensic team equipped with search-and-rescue tools as part of its ongoing aid effort. The latest Indian consignment, delivered via a fourth flight carrying 11 tonnes of relief materials, included tarpaulins, plastic sheets, sleeping bags, blankets, and sanitary kits. To date, India has contributed approximately 57.5 tonnes of relief supplies.
China intensified its assistance by sending two Y-20 transport aircraft of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force carrying 50 tonnes of emergency supplies, including 13,200 relief items such as tents, blankets, sleeping bags, hardtack, and first-aid kits. Additionally, four Chinese tunnel-rescue experts with specialized equipment have joined Nepal’s efforts to locate and rescue individuals trapped inside hydropower tunnels damaged by the floods.
Beyond material aid, international financial support is backing rehabilitation and recovery efforts. The United States government pledged $500,000, while Australia committed $1 million to aid flood survivors. International development institutions including the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, as well as other countries, have also pledged assistance.
The flooding has left thousands unaccounted for, trapping many inside hydropower infrastructure tunnels, making the specialized international rescue efforts critical. Nepal continues to coordinate with international partners for ongoing rescue and recovery operations.
Sources referenced:
- https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/india-china-send-specialist-teams-to-aid-nepal-flood-rescues