Nepal floods: Nepali govt declines foreign rescue teams, wants cash aid instead
The Nepali government has rejected international search and rescue teams following severe floods, opting instead to manage operations with domestic security forces. Officials are requesting financial aid through a centralized mechanism to support ongoing rescue and future reconstruction efforts.
Why it matters
This decision highlights a shift in disaster management policy, prioritizing national sovereignty and local control over foreign intervention in the wake of past experiences.
KATHMANDU: The Nepal government has turned down offers from several countries to send search and rescue teams to Nepal even as 517 foreign nationals remain missing since the Bhotekoshi floods on Aug 26. It said Nepali security agencies can handle the operation.
Instead, Nepal wants cash contributions through a one-door mechanism. Officials say additional financial aid and other support will be sought during the reconstruction phase.
Some countries have already announced financial assistance, while more have expressed their willingness to support Nepal in search, rescue, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.
A Nepal Army helicopter flies over houses as they rescue stranded people at an undisclosed location. - Nepal Army handout/Reuters
According to the Nepal Police, 178 Indians, 65 Americans, 51 Malaysians, 53 Ukrainians, 33 Britons, 35 Australians, 25 Canadians, nine Singaporeans and nationals from three dozen other countries are missing since Aug 26.
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