Kathmandu [Nepal], August 29 – Nepal does not need general foreign search and rescue assistance following the devastating Motekoshi river flood but requires specialized international support in several technical areas, Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal said on Saturday.
Speaking to Reuters, Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle said Nepal needs foreign expertise for rescuing people trapped inside tunnels, restoring transport and communication services disrupted by damaged bridges, identifying victims, conducting DNA tests and preserving bodies for extended periods.
“We have requested such specialised services and technical assistance in areas where we lack sufficient expertise and technical knowledge,” Wagle said.
India, China, Australia and South Korea have requested permission to send rescue teams. Nepal is preparing to allow specialists from the four countries to assist with tunnel rescues at hydropower projects in Rasuwa and Nuwakot.
Wagle estimated that rebuilding infrastructure damaged by the floods could cost between $4 billion and $5 billion, equivalent to roughly Rs 550 billion to Rs 600 billion.
He stressed that the figure was only a preliminary estimate with a detailed assessment of damage and losses still underway.
The floods have damaged homes, roads, bridges and other infrastructure, while the government continues relief operations alongside damage assessments and planning for reconstruction.
