Nepal Says No to Foreign Rescuers as Flood Death Toll Hits 469

August 28, 2026

Nepal has currently rejected offers of foreign search and rescue teams sent by several countries amid severe floods. At least **469 people have died so far due to floods and landslides, while hundreds are still reported missing.

The Nepal government says its army, police, and other security agencies are capable of handling relief and rescue operations. Other options for international assistance may be considered if needed.

Several countries, including India, offered assistance

Several countries, including India, China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh**, have offered assistance to Nepal. Nepal’s Foreign Ministry expressed gratitude for all countries’ support, but stated that foreign rescue teams are not needed at this time.

Rescue operations are ongoing in flood-affected areas. In many places, poor weather, damaged roads, and difficult terrain are hampering relief efforts.

Major Lessons Learned from the 2015 Earthquake

The experience of the devastating 2015 Gorkha earthquake is considered crucial in Nepal’s decision. At that time, a large number of foreign relief and rescue teams arrived in Nepal, posing numerous challenges in their coordination and operations.

During that time, problems such as airport congestion, logistics, distribution of relief supplies, and coordination between various teams impacted Nepal’s disaster management. This experience played a role in shaping the country’s current disaster response strategy.

Foreign Aid Not Completely Rejected

Nepal has not completely rejected international assistance. However, Kathmandu has decided to leave the search and rescue operations in the hands of domestic agencies.

The government’s focus is currently on intensifying relief and rescue operations through its military, police and security forces, while other forms of foreign assistance may be accepted as needed.