Tunnel rescue teams from India and China mobilised in flood-affected areas

Kathmandu: The tunnel rescue teams from neighbouring India and China have been mobilised under the coordination of the Nepal government to rescue people trapped inside tunnels at power generation facilities in Rasuwa and Nuwakot following the Bhotekoshi River flood.

Although the Nepali Army has been continuing search and rescue operations using its own resources and equipment, Nepal has sought assistance from India and China for rescuing people trapped inside blocked tunnels, conducting DNA tests to identify the deceased, and managing the mortuaries.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lok Bahadur Paudel Chhetri told Radio Nepal that assistance is also being received from India, China and other countries, as well as various international donor agencies and organisations, for the rescue, relief and rehabilitation of people affected by the Bhotekoshi flood.

According to the Ministry of Finance, India has so far provided 57.5 tonnes of humanitarian aid and medicines in three phases.

China has also agreed to provide 30 Bailey bridges and airtight bags for the management of up to 2,000 bodies.

Meanwhile, according to the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, more than 120 foreign nationals from different countries who were caught in the Bhotekoshi flood have already been rescued.

However, around 500 foreign nationals are still reported missing.