Nepal reverses course on foreign rescue help as hundreds of foreign nationals remain missing in floods

Nepal has reversed its earlier decision to reject foreign search-and-rescue teams, allowing specialist assistance from India, China, South Korea and Australia as rescuers continue searching for thousands of people missing after devastating floods and landslides.

The disaster struck on August 26, affecting large parts of Nepal and neighbouring Tibet in China. The worst-hit areas include Rasuwa district, near the China border, where flash floods and landslides destroyed roads, bridges, homes and hydropower infrastructure.

Nepal initially said on August 28 that its own security agencies could conduct search-and-rescue operations and did not require foreign rescue teams. Several countries, including India, China, South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom and Japan, had offered assistance. Nepal's position came under increasing pressure as hundreds of foreign nationals were reported missing.

By August 29, Kathmandu had agreed to accept limited specialist assistance. Foreign teams will focus on technically difficult operations, including rescuing people trapped inside hydropower tunnels, infrastructure recovery, DNA testing and forensic identification of bodies. Nepal will continue to lead the overall rescue operation.

India has provided relief supplies and offered National Disaster Response Force personnel, medical assistance and tunnel-rescue expertise. China has been conducting rescue operations on its side of the border and has also offered assistance to Nepal. South Korea sent a response team to Kathmandu and pledged $1 million in humanitarian aid. Australia announced a $5 million assistance package and has also provided crisis-response personnel.

Other countries have focused mainly on humanitarian and consular assistance. The United Kingdom announced £5 million in aid, Japan provided emergency relief supplies, the European Union committed €2 million, and Canada announced humanitarian assistance. The United States also provided emergency funding and disaster-response support.

As of August 29, Nepal's death toll stood at 626, while seven people had died in Tibet. More than 2,400 people were reported missing across Nepal and Tibet, although figures continued to change as authorities reconciled reports and located survivors. Hundreds of the missing are foreign nationals.

With rescue operations still underway, authorities warn that the final death toll and number of missing people could rise.