🚁 1. Current Rescue Numbers & Force Mobilization

Following the devastating flash floods along the Bhote Koshi River on August 26, 2026, the Government of Nepal has harnessed all available national capabilities:

• Missing Status: Approximately 2,498 individuals remain unaccounted for, including over 400 foreign nationals. Unified teams from security branches, local authorities, and medical responders are combing Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, and Chitwan.
• Helicopter Fleets: 16 helicopters are operating continuously in shuttle flights to evacuate survivors and deliver emergency rations.

🌐 2. International Technical Support & Expert Teams

Addressing misconceptions that Nepal rejected global aid, the Foreign Secretary clarified that international assistance was specifically requested for specialized operational needs:

• Tunnel Rescue Specialists: In coordination with the Nepali Army, specialized technical tunnel extraction teams from India (11 personnel), China (9 personnel), and the Republic of Korea are working on-site.
• Forensic Assistance: An 18-member forensic expert team specializing in DNA analysis has arrived from India to support victim identification. Airtight body bags have also been supplied by international partners.
• Humanitarian Logistics: Relief goods have been received from India, China, the UAE, USA, Japan, Qatar, Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and other partners.

🤝 3. Emergency Control Room & Diplomatic Missions

Because numerous foreign tourists and citizens were caught in the disaster zone, specialized diplomatic channels have been activated:

• Dedicated ECR: An Emergency Control Room at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively coordinating with concerned embassies and families.
• Repatriation Support: Overseas diplomatic missions are sharing verified information, facilitating family communication, and managing identification and repatriation processes.

📋 4. Mortuary Protocols & Preparing for the PDNA

• Dignified Temporary Burial: Following ICRC guidelines, decomposed or unrecognizable mortal remains undergo temporary burial only after medical teams extract complete DNA and forensic markers for future family matching and ritual exhumation.
• Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA): Given extensive damage to roads, bridges, housing, and hydropower plants, preliminary assessments are underway to prepare for heavy international assistance during the reconstruction phase.

The Government of Nepal urges the public and media to rely solely on official verified updates from agencies like NDRRMA and the Nepal Tourism Board, while extending deep gratitude to friendly nations and global partners.