Nepal seeks India, China’s help for search and rescue operations after floods

Spread the news

Chandigarh, August 29 

Nepal has sought specialised assistance from India and China to strengthen search and rescue operations after devastating floods in the Bhote Koshi region, with more than 2,400 people still unaccounted for and 626 bodies recovered, according to Nepalese media reports.A tunnel-rescue team from China was also expected to arrive soon, according to The Himalayan Times.

At a press briefing in Kathmandu on Saturday, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said an 11-member specialised technical reconnaissance team from India had been mobilised for tunnel rescue operations.

The Nepal government has requested specialised technology to locate people who may still be alive in affected areas, along with rapid forensic and DNA analysis facilities and mortuary infrastructure for recovered bodies, the media reports.
More than 4,450 people, including over 187 foreign nationals, have been rescued from the affected areas, while search and rescue operations continue in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Chitwan.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, 626 people have died in the Bhote Koshi floods and subsequent downstream flooding, while 2,426 remain unaccounted for, The Kathmandu Post reported.
The authority said 4,451 people had been rescued and 101 injured people were receiving treatment in hospitals. Twenty-seven police personnel were also among those reported missing.

More than 15,000 security personnel have been deployed for search, rescue and relief operations.
India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the crisis in Nepal was also a matter of concern for India.
“The Prime Minister has very clearly stated that whatever assistance is needed, India is ready to provide all of it, and we have started sending assistance continuously,” he said.