Nepal Opens Door to Foreign Rescue Aid After Bhotekoshi-Trishuli Flash Flood Disaster; India, China Get Nod

Nepal has altered its stance, allowing foreign search-and-rescue teams to aid in the aftermath of devastating flash floods that hit its Himalayan region on August 26. India, China, Australia, and South Korea have been granted permission to provide specialized assistance, following a review by Nepal's National Disaster Management Centre.

The decision to open the door to foreign aid was made within a day, following concerns over missing nationals. An Indian Air Force C-130 aircraft has already flown to Nepal, delivering 10 tonnes of essential relief supplies, including medicine and food. The assistance will primarily focus on tunnel rescues, particularly at damaged hydropower projects, as well as DNA testing and forensic identification of bodies.

While Nepal retains overall control over search-and-rescue operations, foreign teams will be deployed selectively to address specific technical and logistical gaps. India has offered its National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and equipment, including tunnel rescue specialists, along with medical aid and Bailey bridges to restore connectivity.

China, Australia, and South Korea have also been cleared to provide assistance in areas near the Nepal-China border. The flash floods triggered by a high-altitude landslide near the Nepal-China border have caused severe damage to settlements, roads, bridges, and hydropower infrastructure in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems, particularly in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts.

The death toll continues to rise, with initial estimates ranging from 469 to over 579, while hundreds remain missing, including foreign nationals from India, China, the United States, Ukraine, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Nepal remains committed to leading the overall rescue operations, utilizing foreign aid to supplement its capabilities in the recovery process.