NEW DELHI — Indian authorities have stepped up emergency rescue efforts in Nepal following devastating flash floods that have left over 400 citizens stranded and communication severed with at least 320 others.

Relief operations gained momentum as India dispatched its third aircraft to Kathmandu, carrying critical humanitarian aid alongside an 11-member expert delegation to assist local disaster teams.

Amid the crisis, 21 pilgrims from Tamil Nadu safely returned home, offering a glimmer of hope as search operations intensify across the rugged Himalayan terrain.