Nepal: Nepal has clarified that it has not rejected offers of international rescue assistance following the devastating floods that have affected several parts of the country.
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said on Saturday that reports claiming Kathmandu had turned away foreign rescue teams were incorrect. Speaking at a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Khanal said decisions regarding the deployment of foreign personnel and equipment were being taken based on recommendations from Nepali security agencies involved in rescue operations.
According to the minister, Nepal is seeking international assistance according to specific requirements identified on the ground.
Government Seeks Emergency Refrigeration Equipment
One of the immediate challenges facing Nepal is the preservation of bodies recovered from the disaster-hit areas.
Khanal said hundreds of bodies were decomposing rapidly, while the country has limited refrigerated storage facilities to preserve a large number of remains.
The Nepalese government has therefore requested foreign governments and international organisations to provide emergency refrigeration equipment and other facilities for body preservation.
Discussions are reportedly underway with organisations including the International Committee of the Red Cross. However, Khanal said no concrete commitment for refrigeration equipment had been secured so far.
Roads and Bridges Destroyed, Remote Areas Cut OffThe destruction of infrastructure has significantly complicated rescue and relief operations.
According to the Nepalese government, roads and around 40 bridges have been damaged or destroyed, making it difficult to transport essential supplies to remote communities.
Food, medicines and other relief materials are particularly difficult to deliver to isolated settlements in mountainous areas.
Nepal Requests Heavy-Lift Cargo Drones
To overcome the transportation challenges, Nepal has requested heavy-lift cargo drones from international partners.
These drones could be used to transport food, medicines and other essential supplies to mountain settlements that remain inaccessible because of damaged roads and bridges.
The request highlights the scale of the logistical challenges facing rescue agencies as they attempt to reach communities cut off by the floods.
India Sends Rescue Team
Amid the ongoing disaster response, an Indian rescue team has arrived in Nepal to assist with relief and rescue operations.
Nepal’s clarification comes as international attention remains focused on the country’s disaster response and the urgent need to reach people stranded in remote areas.
Targeted International Assistance Remains a Priority
Nepal’s foreign minister stressed that the country is not refusing international assistance but is seeking help that matches the operational requirements identified by agencies working in the affected areas.
The government is particularly focused on equipment and expertise that can address urgent challenges such as body preservation, transportation of relief supplies and access to isolated mountain communities.