Kathmandu, Nepal: Following devastating floods in Nepal, the government has changed its earlier stance on relief and rescue operations. The government in Kathmandu has now decided to allow a limited number of foreign experts and search-and-rescue teams to operate in the affected areas. Following Nepal’s request, India has also begun preparations to send a tunnel rescue team and medical experts.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India is providing necessary assistance at Nepal’s request. A survey team will first be sent to assess the situation in the affected areas and identify the equipment required for the rescue operation.
India is also sending a medical team. In addition, India has offered Bailey bridges and technical assistance to help restore connectivity in the affected regions. One Bailey bridge is reportedly already available in Nepal.
According to media reports, pressure had been mounting on the Nepal government from countries whose citizens are believed to be missing in the flood-affected areas. Following this, the government decided to grant limited permission to foreign search-and-rescue experts to operate in certain areas.
Several people are feared trapped or missing inside tunnels connected to hydropower projects in the Rasuwa and Nuwakot regions. With rescue operations making limited progress and the need for specialised tunnel rescue expertise increasing, the decision to accept foreign assistance is being seen as significant.
India has also sent the third consignment of humanitarian assistance to Nepal. The shipment includes 10 tonnes of relief material, including portable generators, dignity kits, food packets and water purification tablets. Since August 26, India’s total humanitarian assistance sent to Nepal has reached 57.5 tonnes.
