Kathmandu [Nepal], August 29 – Nepal will accept limited international assistance for search and rescue operations following the devastating Bhotekoshi floods particularly for tunnel rescues, DNA testing and forensic identification officials said.
The decision comes after several countries requested permission to send specialist teams as many of their citizens remain missing in the disaster. The government had earlier said Nepal’s own rescue teams were capable of handling the search operation and would not allow foreign rescue teams.
Based on an assessment by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority the government has allowed India, China, Australia and South Korea to send specialists and technical teams experienced in tunnel rescue, DNA testing and forensic work.
The teams will be deployed at hydropower projects in Rasuwa and Nuwakot where people may be trapped inside tunnels. Nepal’s limited DNA testing capacity has also prompted the government to seek foreign expertise to identify recovered bodies.
More than 977 people including 517 foreign nationals from 31 countries remain missing after the floods while more than 60 people have been confirmed dead. Indian nationals account for the largest number of missing foreigners at 178 followed by 65 Americans 53 Ukrainians 35 Australians and 33 Britons.
Officials said foreign assistance would be accepted only where specifically needed.
