Nepal seeks specialised assistance from neighbouring countries for rescue operations

Kathmandu: The Government of Nepal has requested specific and specialised assistance from friendly neighbouring countries to strengthen search and rescue efforts following the devastating flash floods in the Bhotekoshi River.

Issuing a press release today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the specialised assistance is sought in areas including opening tunnels where people may be trapped, using technologies to locate people alive in affected areas, conducting quick forensic and DNA analysis, and providing mortuaries to keep the bodies.

An 11-member specialised technical reconnaissance team for tunnel rescue from India has been mobilised, while a tunnel rescue team from China is expected to arrive very soon.

The government said it has mobilised all available resources and efforts at its disposal for search, rescue, relief and recovery operations, with particular attention to people who remain missing, including both Nepali and foreign nationals.

It said its immediate priority remains to save lives, locate missing persons, rescue them, provide urgent relief to survivors, and ensure that affected Nepali and foreign nationals receive appropriate assistance and support.

So far, 626 bodies have been recovered from the affected areas, while around 2,400 people remain unaccounted for.

More than 4,450 people have been rescued, including over 187 foreign nationals.

The government said updated and further verified figures will be made available on the Ministry’s website as operations continue.

It also said figures concerning casualties, missing persons and damage may change as search and verification operations continue.

The government has appealed to the public and national and international media to rely on officially verified information and avoid publishing or broadcasting unconfirmed reports.

Search and rescue teams, including security personnel, provincial and local governments, medical and emergency responders, are continuously working together in the affected areas of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Chitwan to locate, search, rescue and assist those affected and in need of urgent help.

Authorities are also coordinating with families, local administrations, hospitals and all other concerned agencies to identify missing nationals and ensure that information is verified before being released publicly.

Relief operations are focused on providing immediate and necessary assistance, including emergency medical care, food, safe drinking water, temporary shelter and other essential supplies.

The government said it is in close communication and coordination with its immediate neighbours and the international community.

As many foreign nationals are also missing, a dedicated Emergency Control Room has been established at the Ministry.

Nepal’s diplomatic missions are constantly sharing and updating verified information, facilitating communication with families and extending necessary assistance for identification and repatriation procedures.

The river systems and downstream flood risks are also being continuously monitored. The government said its systems are on high alert for any additional flood risks and all required coordination is in place.

The government said relief and humanitarian assistance are being provided in the affected areas.

It expressed gratitude to its friends and partners for their solidarity, goodwill and generous offers of support at this difficult time.

More than 57 tonnes of relief materials have already been received from India. Essential items are also being received from China, Japan, Australia and other countries.

The government said further assessments are being made and it will reach out to neighbouring countries and international partners for additional assistance and support as needed.

Given the extensive damage to critical infrastructure, houses, road networks, bridges and hydropower facilities, a detailed assessment of the needs is currently underway, and a report will be ready soon.

The government said the scale of devastation is significant and that it anticipates requiring international assistance for rehabilitation and reconstruction.

It said specific requirements would be communicated as the assessment progresses.

The government has also rejected false reports circulating in national and foreign media that Nepal has rejected international assistance and support.

It reiterated that, given the scale of devastation, support and assistance are required not only during the rescue and relief phase, but more so during reconstruction.

The government said the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund has been established for such catastrophic calamities.

Nepali and foreign nationals at home and abroad can contribute to the fund through the QR code. Contributions can also be made through the designated online system.

The government thanked international well-wishers, organisations and individuals willing to contribute material support, but said it is currently unable to accept such material assistance.

Despite the massive destruction and difficulties caused by the Bhotekoshi River floods in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Chitwan, the government said other parts of Nepal remain normal and open to foreigners, travellers and tourists.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry also said Nepal welcomes foreign nationals willing to visit the country.

The government expressed sincere gratitude to neighbouring and friendly countries and partners for extending support and assistance and for expressing condolences and solidarity at this difficult hour.