KATHMANDU, AUGUST 29
Nepal has sought specialised assistance from India and China to strengthen search-and-rescue operations following the devastating Bhote Koshi floods, as about 2,400 people remain unaccounted for and 626 bodies have been recovered so far.
At a press briefing in Kathmandu on Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said an 11-member specialised technical reconnaissance team from India for tunnel rescue had been mobilised, while a tunnel-rescue team from China was expected to arrive soon.
The government has also requested specialised support in technologies to locate people who may still be alive in affected areas, rapid forensic and DNA analysis, and mortuary facilities for keeping recovered bodies.
More than 4,450 people, including over 187 foreign nationals, have been rescued from the affected areas, according to the ministry. Search and rescue operations are continuing in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Chitwan.
The figures could change as authorities continue search, recovery and verification operations, the ministry said, urging the public and media to rely on officially verified information.
International assistance continues
The government also rejected reports that Nepal had turned down international assistance, saying the scale of the devastation was so extensive that international support would be required not only for rescue and relief but also for rehabilitation and reconstruction.
Nepal has already received more than 57 tonnes of relief materials from India, while essential supplies were also being received from China, Japan, Australia and other countries.
The ministry said a detailed assessment of damage to critical infrastructure, houses, roads, bridges and hydropower facilities was under way. The assessment will determine Nepal’s specific requirements for rehabilitation and reconstruction, it said.
Authorities are also coordinating with families, local administrations, hospitals and other agencies to identify missing people and verify information before releasing it publicly.
Government says Nepal remains open
The ministry said river systems and downstream flood risks were being continuously monitored and authorities remained on high alert for additional flooding.
It also sought to counter concerns about the wider impact of the disaster, saying that although the floods caused massive destruction in parts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Chitwan, other parts of Nepal remain normal and open to foreign travellers and tourists.
The government said people in Nepal and abroad can contribute to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund through the designated online system.