Nepal turns down foreign rescue teams as flash flood death toll rises to 469

NewsBharati    28-Aug-2026 16:26:54 PM
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Kathmandu, August 28 : Nepal has declined offers from several countries and international organisations to deploy search and rescue teams following devastating flash floods that have killed at least 469 people and left hundreds missing.
 
NEPAL
 
The flash floods struck areas along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems near the Nepal-China border on Wednesday. Search and rescue personnel continue to comb through mud, debris and damaged areas in an effort to locate survivors and those still missing.
 
According to reports, Nepal’s Foreign Ministry received several official and unofficial requests from countries, including China, to send rescue personnel. However, the government decided that Nepal’s own security agencies were capable of leading the rescue operation.
 
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Officials said the decision was influenced partly by Nepal’s experience during the 2015 earthquake, when the arrival of large numbers of foreign rescue teams reportedly created coordination and management challenges.
 
Thousands Involved In Rescue Operation
 
Nepal Police said on Friday that 469 people had died, while around 1,545 people were rescued or injured. Nearly 1,000 people remain missing, according to disaster authorities, including 28 police personnel.
 
 
 
The Nepal Police has deployed around 4,348 personnel for search and rescue operations. Authorities have rescued 644 people from Rasuwa, 898 from Nuwakot and three from Dhading.
 
The disaster has also affected foreign nationals. Reports indicate that 178 Indians, 65 Americans, 51 Malaysians, 53 Ukrainians, 33 Britons, 35 Australians and 25 Canadians remain unaccounted for. Chinese authorities have also reported that more than 100 Chinese nationals are out of contact.
 
Nepal Seeks Financial And Humanitarian Support
 
While Nepal has declined foreign rescue teams, it has welcomed financial and humanitarian assistance. The United States has pledged $500,000, while the World Health Organization has provided emergency medical supplies.
Nepal is seeking international financial assistance through a single mechanism and plans to seek greater support during the rehabilitation and reconstruction phases.
 
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The Foreign Ministry has also established an Emergency Control Room to coordinate information, rescue operations and consular assistance for foreign nationals affected by the disaster.
Nepal Nepal Police World Health Organization Indians United States