Nepal reverses decision, accepts foreign aid for flood rescues amid rising death toll

Nepal has reversed its initial stance of rejecting foreign aid for flood rescue efforts, now agreeing to accept limited assistance following significant international pressure. The decision comes as the country grapples with the devastating aftermath of flash floods that have claimed hundreds of lives.

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We received massive pressure from the international community to allow at least search-and-rescue teams and some experts because their citizens have also gone missing in the floods.

Initially, Nepal's Foreign Ministry stated on Friday, August 28, that foreign assistance was not required for search and rescue operations. However, the government later agreed to allow limited help, particularly from search and rescue teams and experts whose citizens are among the missing.

An unnamed senior government official cited "massive pressure from the international community" as the reason for the policy reversal. The official emphasized that only a limited number of experts would be allowed in specific areas. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal clarified that these experts would aid local teams in identifying victims to expedite the return of bodies to their families.

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We are allowing a limited number of experts in certain areas.

The floods, which occurred on Wednesday, August 26, were initially thought to be caused by an earthquake and landslides. However, the U.S. Geological Survey later determined that a glacier collapse was the primary trigger. The death toll has tragically risen to 626, with over 2,300 people rescued.

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Foreign experts would assist local rescue teams in identifying bodies so authorities could return them to their families as quickly as possible.