Nepal reverses decision, accepts foreign aid for flood rescue efforts

Nepal's government has altered its position on accepting international assistance for the ongoing flood rescue and recovery efforts. Initially, the government had stated that its own capabilities were sufficient to handle the situation, leading to the rejection of foreign rescue teams.

However, facing significant diplomatic pressure from countries whose citizens were among the missing in the devastating floods, Nepal has now agreed to accept foreign aid in three specific sectors: tunnel rescue, DNA testing, and forensic analysis. This decision was made after an assessment by the National Disaster Management Center and consultation with relevant ministries.

The shift in policy comes as rescue operations continue for over 100 people believed to be trapped inside the Upper Trishuli (UT)-1 hydropower plant tunnel. This plant is where nine South Korean nationals, employed by Doosan Enerbility and Korea South-East Power, were working when the floods struck on August 26.

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It is natural that other countries offer help, but our security agencies are carrying out search and rescue operations well, so we do not need rescue teams from other countries at the moment.

South Korea had previously chartered three helicopters, with Doosan Enerbility and Korea South-East Power arranging for two and one respectively, totaling six helicopters. These aircraft were on standby, awaiting clearance from the Nepalese army for search operations. The families of the nine missing South Koreans have urged the government and companies to expedite the deployment of these helicopters.

As of the latest reports, the death toll from the floods, affecting both Nepal and the bordering Tibetan region of China, has risen to 584, with 2,482 people still missing.

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Because citizens of various countries are also missing in this flood, we received immense pressure from the international community to allow the entry of search and rescue teams and some experts. We have allowed the entry of a limited number of experts in specific areas.