Kathmandu, Aug 30: An 11-member Indian rescue team arrived in Nepal on Saturday to assist local authorities in rescue and relief operations following devastating flash floods that have claimed more than 500 lives and left nearly 2,000 people missing.
The team, comprising medical personnel and tunnel rescue specialists, was deployed at the request of the Nepalese government, according to Indian Embassy sources.
The team will assist operations in areas severely affected by the floods, where large-scale rescue and relief efforts are underway.
Massive flash floods swept through Rasuwa and other parts of central Nepal on Wednesday, causing extensive damage to homes, roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure besides causing significant loss of life.
Nepal has been relying primarily on its own security forces for rescue operations, citing their familiarity with the difficult terrain and local environmental conditions.
However, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said the country was prepared to accept international assistance in particularly challenging situations requiring specialised technical expertise.
Nepal has also sought assistance from India and China for the construction of 42 Bailey bridges to restore transportation links in flood-hit areas.
