Nepal declines foreign rescue teams, citing capacity of own agencies

Nepal has rejected offers from several countries to send search and rescue teams, asserting that its own security agencies are capable of handling the operation. This decision comes as 517 foreign nationals remain missing following Wednesday’s Bhotekoshi floods.

Instead of rescue teams, the government is requesting cash contributions channeled through a single mechanism. Officials indicated that further financial aid and support would be sought during the reconstruction phase. While some nations have pledged financial assistance, others have expressed willingness to help with search, rescue, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts.

Nepal Police reported that 178 Indians, 65 Americans, 51 Malaysians, 53 Ukrainians, 33 British, 35 Australians, and 25 Canadians are among the missing. Chinese officials stated that at least 100 Chinese nationals are out of contact. India's foreign ministry confirmed over 200 Indian nationals are seeking evacuation after being trapped by the floods.

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Nepal’s own security agencies can handle the operation.

A senior foreign ministry official explained that the government declined the requests, drawing on the experience of the 2015 earthquake. During that disaster, the large influx of foreign teams and inter-country competition led to significant coordination and management issues. The decision was made based on recommendations from the Nepali Army and police.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established an Emergency Response Team (ERT) to coordinate assistance for affected foreign nationals. The ERT will facilitate search, rescue, information verification, and consular support. An under secretary from the ministry is leading the ERT and coordinating with ground security teams in Timure, Rasuwa.

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The ERT shall serve as the central coordinating body within the ministry to facilitate search, rescue, information verification, and consular assistance in respect of foreign nationals affected by, missing in, or otherwise connected to the flood incident.