Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Nepal Seeks Global Rescue and Forensic Support After Floods
Severe floods hit Nepal after ice and rock collapsed near the Nepal-Tibet border.
The floods swept through towns and villages, carrying away homes, vehicles, roads and bridges.
Hundreds of people have died, and thousands are still missing.
Nepal is asking other countries for special tools and expert help.
These tools include equipment for rescuing people from tunnels and for identifying bodies.
An Indian team of 18 DNA experts is already helping.
China, South Korea and other countries are also providing technical or emergency support.
More supplies and financial assistance are expected from many countries and international organisations.
Nepal has requested specialised international equipment and technical assistance for tunnel rescues and forensic operations.
An 18-member Indian forensic team focused on DNA analysis has been in Nepal since August 29.
Nepali agencies are working with technical teams from India and China, while South Korea has also mobilised support.
Nepal is seeking freezers, DNA testing kits, LiDAR, drones, bridge units, generators and other emergency supplies.
Floods triggered near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26 killed hundreds, left thousands missing and damaged communities and infrastructure.
- Who
- The Government of Nepal, supported by India, China, South Korea, Singapore and other countries and international organisations.
- What
- Nepal is seeking additional equipment and technical assistance for tunnel rescues, forensic work, body management and flood relief.
- When
- The floods occurred on August 26; Nepal's foreign ministry discussed the requests on August 31, and the Indian forensic team arrived on August 29.
- Where
- Northern and central Nepal, after flooding originating near the Nepal-Tibet border and moving downstream along the Bhotekoshi River.
- Why
- The floods killed hundreds, left thousands missing and damaged homes, roads, bridges, vehicles and hydropower projects.
- Flood date
- August 26
- Reported impact
- Hundreds killed and thousands missing
- Indian forensic team
- 18 DNA-analysis experts in Nepal since August 29
- Requested equipment
- Freezers, DNA testing kits, LiDAR, high-capacity drones and bridge units
- Technical cooperation
- Nepali agencies are working with specialised teams from India and China; South Korea has also mobilised support
- International support
- Assistance has come or been pledged by numerous countries, the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the World Food Programme and UNICEF
- Affected river
- The Bhotekoshi River carried floodwaters downstream from the Himalayan border region