Nepal Said No to Foreign Rescue Teams, Then Called India: 550+ Dead, 1,900 Missing

Nepal has allowed foreign rescue teams to assist flood-hit areas after pressure from countries with missing nationals. India, China and others will help in tunnel rescue, DNA testing and forensic identification.

Post Published By: Sreeja Chowdhury

Updated : 29 August 2026, 8:34 AM IST

Nepal Flood Crisis: India Joins Rescue Mission as 550+ Dead, 1,900 Missing (Img: X)

Kathmandu: Nepal has changed its decision on foreign assistance for flood rescue operations after growing pressure from countries whose citizens remain missing following devastating flash floods. The government will now allow specialised international teams to support rescue and identification efforts.

Earlier, Nepal had refused foreign rescue teams, stating that its own agencies were capable of handling the situation. However, authorities later approved limited assistance in technical areas, including tunnel rescue operations, DNA testing and forensic examinations.

Also Read: Nepal Floods Horror: 320 Indians Untraceable, 84 Rescued as India Launches Massive Evacuation

More Than 550 Dead, Nearly 2,000 Missing in Flood Disaster

The flash floods along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers have caused massive destruction, killing more than 550 people. According to Nepal authorities, around 1,924 people are still missing.

Among the missing foreign nationals, Indians are the largest group with 288 reported missing, followed by citizens from China, the US, Ukraine, Australia and Britain.

India Sends Rescue Specialists and Relief Material

India has stepped up assistance by offering tunnel rescue experts, medical teams and personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

The Indian government has also dispatched humanitarian aid, including food supplies, water purification tablets, portable generators and essential relief kits. A team of doctors, paramedics and tunnel rescue specialists has also been sent to support Nepal’s emergency response.

576 Workers Missing at Hydropower Project

The biggest challenge remains at the Upper Trishuli-1 hydropower project, where 576 workers are still unaccounted for. Around 1,350 people were present at the site when floods and landslides struck.

Rescue operations have been severely affected due to damaged roads, communication failures and difficult mountain terrain.

Also Read: 290 Indians Missing in Nepal Floods: Families Across India Wait for One Call

Foreign Experts to Help in Technical Operations

Apart from India and China, Australia and South Korea will provide specialised support. Teams will focus on tunnel searches, forensic examinations and DNA testing to identify victims.

Nepal’s authorities said international experts are needed in areas requiring advanced technology and expertise to speed up rescue and recovery operations.