KATHMANDU, AUGUST 28
The government has defended its decision to rely on Nepal's own security agencies for the search and rescue operation following the devastating Bhotekoshi River flood in Rasuwa, saying it did not reject international assistance but prioritised available national capacity and the immediate needs of the operation.
Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal said the rescue strategy was determined by Nepal's difficult terrain, local conditions and the experience of the country's security agencies in responding to disasters in such areas.
Speaking to RSS, Khanal said the Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force had been mobilised because their teams were familiar with the geography and operating conditions.
"Our team is capable and familiar with our geography. Our security agencies-the Army, Police and Armed Police-are all engaged in this," he said.
The minister said bringing foreign rescue teams into unfamiliar and difficult terrain could create additional challenges in coordination and technical management, as well as unforeseen risks.
He said it was natural for countries to rely on their own resources in the initial phase of a disaster when their national capacity was sufficient to handle the situation.
However, Khanal stressed that the government had not rejected assistance from friendly countries or the international community.
He said Nepal was prepared to seek international technical support if rescue operations required specialised expertise, particularly in tunnels or highly complex physical structures.
"Where we need additional technical capacity, we will cooperate as necessary," Khanal said.
He added that the government remained in communication and coordination with friendly countries and would seek technical assistance based on the requirements of the rescue operation.