Kathmandu: The Nepal government has approved limited assistance from foreign rescue teams and experts to help with ongoing search and recovery operations following devastating floods.
The government had earlier said it would not allow foreign search and rescue teams to enter the affected areas. It has now agreed to take limited assistance from experts from India, China, Australia and South Korea.
The teams will assist with tunnel rescue operations, DNA testing and identification of bodies. Fourteen hydropower projects in Rasuwa and Nuwakot have been affected by the floods, while several people trapped inside tunnels remain unaccounted for.
According to Nepal Police, the death toll has risen to 579, while more than 1,900 people are missing or remain out of contact. The missing include 320 Indian nationals.
Around 400 Indians stranded in China
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, around 400 Indian nationals are stranded on the Chinese side, but all are reported to be safe. India is in contact with Chinese authorities to facilitate their safe return.
Meanwhile, 153 Indian nationals have safely crossed from China into Nepal, according to the latest information.
