Nepal reverses decision, accepts foreign help for flood rescue

Nepal's government has reversed its earlier decision to refuse international search-and-rescue teams for the Bhotekoshi flash flood disaster, succumbing to intense diplomatic pressure from countries whose nationals are among those still missing.

Initially, on August 26, the government stated that Nepali rescuers were capable and foreign teams would not be permitted. However, this stance could not be maintained for even a day. The administration soon decided to seek limited foreign expertise specifically for tunnel rescues, DNA testing, and forensic examinations.

"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," a senior government official told The Kathmandu Post. "We are allowing a limited number of experts in certain areas."

The devastating flash flood impacted settlements along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers. As of August 28, over 550 people were reported dead, with 977 still missing, including 517 foreigners from 31 countries. Indian nationals account for the largest number of missing persons, followed by Americans, Ukrainians, Australians, and Britons.

Based on assessments by the National Disaster Management Centre, the government has approved India, China, Australia, and South Korea to send their specialized teams. Despite numerous other countries offering relief aid and expressing a desire to send expert teams, Nepal has not accommodated these requests. Officials from embassies of countries with dozens of missing nationals expressed concern over the lack of progress and unentertained support requests.

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