The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided not to accept direct foreign assistance in search and rescue operations for people trapped in the Rasuwa flood.
According to a ministry source, several countries had offered to send trained rescue personnel along with helicopters to assist in the rescue efforts. However, the ministry has adopted a policy of not accepting direct foreign assistance for search and rescue operations.
“We have adopted a policy of not accepting direct assistance after consultations with the Nepal Army,” the source said. “The Rasuwa region has narrow gorges, where it is not possible to operate many helicopters. Also, sites necessary for landing helicopters are not available. Moreover, smaller helicopters appear to be the most useful for rescue operations in Nepal. Therefore, the ministry has adopted a policy of not accepting foreign assistance for search and rescue."
The ministry said that citizens of 28 countries have been reported missing in the Rasuwa flood. Those countries have been increasing pressure on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to locate and rescue their citizens.
Amid the growing pressure, the ministry has deployed an undersecretary to the Nepal Army training camp in Nuwakot.
Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has also instructed divisional chiefs under the ministry to remain in continuous contact with the embassies of the countries concerned.
“We held a meeting of our senior management team today. The minister instructed us to remain in contact with the countries concerned regarding the status of rescue operations involving foreign nationals,” an official who attended the meeting told Setopati. “The ministry is also launching a toll-free number today for foreign nationals and their families.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to provide donor agencies with details of the humanitarian assistance required.
The ministry has requested the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority to prepare a list of required supplies. Based on that list, the ministry plans to request and receive foreign assistance according to identified needs.
