The Nepal government has changed its earlier decision and will now allow limited international assistance in areas hit by the devastating Bhotekoshi flash floods. The decision came after pressure from countries whose citizens are still missing following the disaster.
On Wednesday, the Nepal government had said that its own rescue teams were capable of handling search operations and foreign rescue teams would not be allowed. However, within a day, authorities decided to accept international help in specialised areas such as tunnel rescue operations, DNA testing and forensic examinations.
A senior government official said Nepal faced strong pressure from the international community because citizens of several countries remain missing. The government has therefore decided to allow a limited number of foreign experts.
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said Nepal needs international assistance in specialised and technical areas where the country does not have enough expertise.
Over 550 Dead, 1,924 Still Missing
The flash floods caused massive destruction along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers. According to the Nepal Disaster Authority, more than 550 people had died as of Friday, while another 1,924 people remained missing.
Among missing foreign nationals, Indians form the largest group. According to the latest Nepal Tourism Board records, 288 Indians remain missing, followed by 100 Chinese, 65 Americans, 53 Ukrainians, 35 Australians and 33 British nationals.
Based on an assessment by Nepal’s National Disaster Management Centre, an inter-ministerial committee has approved assistance from India, China, Australia and South Korea.
Experts and technicians from these countries will help Nepal with tunnel rescue operations, DNA testing and forensic examinations.
Several other countries have also offered assistance and specialist teams, but Nepal has not accepted all the offers.
576 Workers Missing From Hydropower Project
The situation remains particularly serious at the Upper Trishuli-1 hydropower project, where 576 workers remained unaccounted for until late Friday night.
Around 1,350 people were working at the 216 MW hydropower project when the disaster struck.
Uttam Bhlom, Senior Vice-President of the Independent Power Producers’ Association, Nepal, said there was still no clear information about the missing workers. He said that if some people were trapped inside tunnels, reaching them quickly could provide a chance of saving their lives.
Rescue teams are struggling to reach several hydropower sites because floods and landslides have damaged roads. Mobile and telephone networks have also been disrupted, making it difficult to determine the location and condition of missing people.
Authorities are considering using private helicopters to reach affected areas. However, limited landing space and other technical and safety challenges are making aerial rescue operations difficult.
India Sends Rescue Experts and Relief Material
India has offered Nepal a tunnel rescue team, medical personnel and members of the National Disaster Response Force.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also spoke with Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal on Friday and offered further support.
India’s third relief flight carrying 10 tonnes of humanitarian assistance also left for Kathmandu. The supplies included portable generator sets, dignity kits, food packets and water purification tablets.
An 11-member team consisting of doctors, paramedics and tunnel rescue specialists was also sent with India’s fourth batch of relief material.
South Korea Also Offers Assistance
South Korea has also offered help after nine of its citizens went out of contact.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun asked Nepal to allow a Korean Prompt Response Team to carry out operations smoothly. Seoul is also preparing to deploy its Korea Disaster Relief Team.
Foreign specialist teams will mainly focus on hydropower tunnels in Rasuwa and Nuwakot, where 14 projects have been affected by the disaster.
Nepal will also receive international assistance for DNA testing because its laboratories have limited capacity. Foreign experts will help process a large number of samples and identify bodies faster so they can be handed over to their families.
