Nepal Rejects Foreign Rescue Teams as South Korea Seeks Access

Nepal has declined offers of international search-and-rescue assistance following a devastating flash flood that struck areas near the Nepal-China border, saying its own security agencies are capable of handling the operation.

The disaster swept through several towns in Rasuwa district on Wednesday, destroying buildings, damaging hydropower facilities and leaving nearly 500 people dead. Hundreds of foreign nationals are also reported missing.

South Korea, which has nine citizens missing and 10 others stranded, said it had already sent a response team to Nepal and planned to deploy a disaster relief team. Seoul is continuing negotiations with Kathmandu over whether its rescue personnel will be allowed to participate.

Nepal's Foreign Ministry said the country does not currently require foreign search-and-rescue teams. Spokesperson Lok Bahadur Chhetri said Nepal's security agencies were conducting the rescue operation themselves.

India, China, the United States, Britain, Japan, South Korea, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have reportedly offered assistance.

A former Nepali ambassador suggested that Nepal's reluctance could be influenced by the location of the disaster in Rasuwa, which borders China's Tibet region. However, Nepal's Foreign Ministry rejected that explanation, saying the decision was based solely on its assessment that domestic rescue teams were managing the operation.

China's Premier Li Qiang visited the disaster-hit area in Gyirong on Thursday and urged rescuers to make every possible effort to find survivors. China has also directed its authorities to coordinate with foreign governments over missing nationals.

South Korea has pledged $1 million in humanitarian aid through international organisations to support relief efforts.

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