India sends technical team to Nepal tunnel rescue; China team expected

Nepal has enlisted international support for a critical rescue operation following recent floods, deploying an 11-member specialist technical team from India to assist at a tunnel site. The country is also anticipating the arrival of a specialized team from China, as efforts intensify to locate individuals trapped by the disaster.

Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal stated that the government is actively seeking necessary international technical assistance to enhance the effectiveness of search and rescue operations. He emphasized a preference for land-based support due to the complex geographical conditions and the impact of the sudden floods on the ground, which necessitate extreme caution.

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Because of the complex terrain and the impact the sudden flood has had on the ground, rescue operations have to be carried out with extreme caution.

Khanal explained that transporting foreign rescue teams by helicopter presents additional difficulties because of the challenging geography. Ensuring the safety of these teams, who may be unfamiliar with the terrain, is a priority. Consequently, rescue operations are currently guided by the advice and field information provided by local security personnel who possess intimate knowledge of the area.

Nepal has formally requested specialized assistance from friendly nations for the search and rescue of those trapped inside the tunnel. The appeals also include requests for international support in identifying and locating potential survivors, accessing necessary technology, rapid DNA analysis, and the long-term management of recovered bodies. This international technical support is being sought as search and rescue operations continue in the wake of the devastating floods.

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Since this is unfamiliar terrain for foreign rescue teams, their safety also needs to be given priority.