Kathmandu: The government has articulated its position regarding the absence of international teams in the search and rescue efforts following the devastating flood that struck the Bhotekoshi river in Rasuwa on September 26. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shishir Khanal, explained that while international aid was not dismissed, the rescue operations were tailored to leverage Nepal’s national capacity, immediate needs, and the country’s distinct geographical characteristics.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Khanal highlighted that the decision to prioritize Nepal’s own security forces, including the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force, was based on their familiarity with the country’s geographical features, rugged terrain, and local environmental conditions. He noted that deploying foreign teams could introduce complexities in coordination and technical management, possibly leading to unforeseen risks.
“Our team is capable, we are familiar with our geography. Our security forces-the army, police, and armed police-are all involved in this,” Khanal stated. He emphasized that it is standard for countries to rely first on their own mechanisms until they can handle disasters independently, without foreign aid. The minister stressed the importance of proceeding confidently with tasks that national mechanisms and institutions can manage.
However, Minister Khanal clarified that the government remains open to international aid when necessary, particularly in scenarios requiring specialized technical skills, such as rescues inside tunnels or in other complex structures. “Wherever we need additional technical capacity, we collaborate as required,” he affirmed. The minister noted ongoing dialogue and coordination with friendly nations, underlining a policy of accepting technical assistance when necessary.