Nepal Makes U-Turn After Rejecting Foreign Aid, Now Seeks Specialised Help

Nepal has now sought specialised technical assistance from foreign countries after initially declining offers of broader foreign help following the devastating floods in the Himalayan region.

The change in approach comes as rescue teams face an enormous challenge following a glacier collapse that triggered powerful floods across parts of Nepal and China’s Tibet region.

On Wednesday, the collapse sent huge amounts of rock, ice, mud and debris rushing through mountain river systems. The disaster has left a trail of destruction, washing away bridges and damaging vital transport and communication links.

Nearly 600 people have been killed across Nepal and Tibet, while more than 2,400 people remain missing. Rescue workers are continuing to search through deep mud, debris and damaged infrastructure, hoping to find survivors.

Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said the country’s own teams have the capacity to carry out general search and rescue operations. However, some tasks require expertise and equipment that Nepal does not have in sufficient numbers.

Kathmandu is therefore seeking assistance in areas such as rescuing people trapped inside tunnels, rebuilding transport and communication links, identifying bodies, conducting DNA tests and preserving bodies for longer periods.

The government says the request is focused on specialised technical support rather than replacing Nepal’s own rescue efforts.