Emergency Control Room Established to Search for and Rescue Foreign Victims of Bhotekoshi Flood — Minister Khanal

August 29, Kathmandu.

Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal said that the government has mobilized all available resources for the search, rescue, and identification of Nepali and foreign citizens who went missing after the Bhotekoshi flood.

At a press briefing held on Saturday regarding the Bhotekoshi flood, Minister Khanal informed that a separate emergency control room has been established at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs because many foreign citizens are also missing.

‘The Government of Nepal is in constant contact and coordination with its neighboring countries and the international community. As many foreign citizens are also missing, a separate emergency control room (भ्mभचनभलअथ ऋयलतचय िच्ययm) has been established at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Our diplomatic missions are also continuously exchanging and updating verified information. Additionally, they are facilitating contact with families, providing necessary assistance, and aiding in the identification and repatriation process,’ he said.

Minister Khanal stated that the full cause of the Bhotekoshi river flood is still not confirmed, and currently, the government’s main priorities are search, rescue, relief, and rehabilitation.

‘The full cause of the devastating sudden flood in the Bhotekoshi river on August 26, 2026, is still not confirmed. The government has mobilized all available resources and efforts under its control for search, rescue, relief, and rehabilitation. In particular, high priority has been given to the search for individuals, including Nepali and foreign citizens, who are still out of contact. This is currently our national priority,’ he said.

According to him, so far 626 bodies have been found from the affected areas, while approximately 2,400 people are still out of contact. Similarly, more than 4,450 people have been rescued, including over 187 foreign citizens.

Minister Khanal urged media and the general public to rely only on officially verified information, stating that the figures for deaths, missing persons, and damages may change as search and rescue operations are ongoing.

He said, ‘As search and identification work is ongoing, the statistics on deaths, missing persons, and damages may change. Therefore, the Government of Nepal appeals to the general public and national and international media to rely only on officially verified information and not to publish or broadcast unconfirmed news.’

He stated that teams including security forces, provincial and local governments, health workers, and emergency responders have been deployed in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, and Chitwan. He also added that providing immediate necessary assistance in the affected areas is ongoing.

Minister Khanal informed that under relief efforts, emergency medical treatment, food, safe drinking water, temporary shelters, and other essential materials are being provided.

He also mentioned that the risk of floods in the river system and downstream areas is being continuously monitored.

Minister Khanal said that Nepal has sought special and technical assistance from friendly nations for the rescue of people trapped in tunnels after the Bhotekoshi flood, technology to locate living individuals, forensic and DNA testing, and body management.

‘An 11-member special technical team for tunnel rescue has already been deployed from India, and a tunnel rescue team from China is also expected to arrive in Nepal soon,’ he said.

He informed that more than 57 tons of relief materials have been received from India so far. He also stated that essential materials are being received from China, Japan, Australia, and other friendly nations.

Minister Khanal stated that the flood has caused extensive damage to important infrastructure, houses, road networks, bridges, and hydropower projects, and a detailed assessment of needs is currently underway. He said that international cooperation would be required for rehabilitation and reconstruction.

Clarifying that news of Nepal rejecting international aid was false, he stated that Nepal needs support and assistance.

‘I want to reiterate—the scale of destruction is immense, and Nepal needs support and assistance. This need will not only be during the rescue and relief phase but even more so during the reconstruction phase,’ he said.

Minister Khanal informed that the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund is operational for disasters, and both Nepali and foreign citizens residing in Nepal and abroad can contribute. He expressed gratitude to international well-wishers, organizations, and individuals willing to provide material aid, clarifying that currently, they are not in a position to accept such material assistance.

Minister Khanal stated that although there has been extensive damage in the areas of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, and Chitwan due to the Bhotekoshi flood, other parts of Nepal remain normal and are open to foreign citizens, travelers, and tourists.

‘We welcome foreign citizens who wish to visit Nepal,’ he said.

Minister Khanal expressed gratitude to neighboring countries, friendly nations, and partners for their assistance during this difficult time, and also thanked the media for their support and cooperation. He stated that the ministry would regularly update information through its official website, social media, and upcoming press briefings.

For More: Bhotekoshi Flood Emergency Control Room