KATHMANDU, AUGUST 27

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formed an Emergency Response Team (ERT) to coordinate the search and rescue of foreign nationals affected or reported missing following the devastating Bhotekoshi River flood in Rasuwa.

The ministry said the team, formed with immediate effect, will serve as a central coordinating mechanism for verifying information, supporting search and rescue operations and providing consular assistance to foreign nationals affected by the disaster.

The ERT will collect information on foreign nationals involved in the incident, coordinate with relevant agencies and facilitate the sharing of verified information with their families and diplomatic missions.

The ministry has urged diplomatic missions, international organisations, families of missing persons and the public to report any information concerning foreign nationals affected or missing in the Rasuwa floods through its emergency hotlines or email.

The emergency contact numbers are +977-9744441227 and +977-9744441228 via phone/WhatsApp. The second number will be available from 7am to 10pm. Information can also be sent to [email protected].

The ministry has urged the public not to circulate unverified information about the disaster and to rely on official channels for updates. It said timely official updates on the situation would be issued as search and rescue operations continue.