KATHMANDU: Opposition parties have urged the government to seek international assistance and bring in foreign experts where Nepal lacks the technical expertise and capacity to effectively carry out rescue and relief operations in areas affected by the Bhotekoshi flood of August 26, particularly in Rasuwa.
The issue was raised during an all-party meeting called by Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane. Leaders from the CPN-UML, Nepali Congress and other parties suggested that the government work with the international community and mobilise specialist teams in areas where domestic expertise is insufficient.
Speaking after the meeting, UML leader Pradeep Gyawali said international experts should be brought in where Nepal does not have the required technical capacity.
“We concluded that international assistance should be sought and experts deployed where our own expertise is not sufficient,” Gyawali said.
The meeting also stressed the need for stronger coordination among local, provincial and federal governments in managing the disaster response.
‘Relief in one place, victims in another’
Gyawali said problems had also been reported in the management and distribution of relief materials, with supplies reportedly stockpiled in some locations while affected residents remained without essential food and clothing.
He said the government should improve coordination to ensure relief reaches victims quickly and efficiently.
International expertise suggested for tunnel rescue
The meeting also discussed the search and rescue of people believed to be trapped inside tunnels and underground structures following the floods.
Participants said specialist technical expertise could be used to make rescue operations inside tunnels more effective. Opposition parties argued that the government had been slow to seek international assistance for complex rescue operations beyond Nepal’s available resources, equipment and technical capacity.
They suggested immediately bringing in international experts with specialised experience and technology in underground and tunnel rescue operations, saying this could improve the chances of rescuing people trapped inside such structures.
‘There is no ruling or opposition side in a disaster’
Opposition leaders said they were ready to support the government beyond political differences during the disaster.
They urged the government to view suggestions from opposition parties as an opportunity for coordination and cooperation rather than political criticism.
The meeting concluded that effective coordination among the government, political parties, security agencies, local authorities and the international community is essential for rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts.
The opposition parties also urged the government not to delay seeking international assistance where necessary, particularly for complex rescue operations requiring technical expertise, specialised equipment and technology not readily available in Nepal.
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