The United Kingdom has deployed a Rapid Deployment Team to Nepal to provide consular assistance to British nationals and their families affected by the devastating floods near the Nepal-China border.
The floods struck on August 26 after a sudden surge of water entered the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa district, causing widespread destruction across the mountainous region.
Several homes, roads, bridges, hydropower installations and other critical infrastructure were reportedly damaged by the flooding, which has affected thousands of people.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said the specially trained team would arrive in Kathmandu on Saturday to strengthen the existing consular response and work with Nepalese authorities.
“The team will arrive in Kathmandu tomorrow and will work alongside British Embassy staff and local authorities to provide additional consular support as part of response efforts,” the FCDO said.
The team is expected to assist British nationals arriving in or departing from Nepal, help people seeking information about relatives reported missing and coordinate with local authorities and emergency responders.
It will also support families in the UK who are trying to establish the whereabouts or safety of loved ones in areas affected by the floods.
“The team will also work closely with families in the UK who are concerned about loved ones in affected areas,” the FCDO added.
British Foreign Secretary, Ed Miliband, said the scale of the disaster had prompted the additional deployment, stressing that the welfare of British nationals remained a priority.
“The scenes from Nepal are devastating, and our thoughts remain with everyone affected,” Miliband said.
He added, “The safety and welfare of British nationals is our top priority. That is why we are deploying a Rapid Deployment Team to Nepal to provide additional support on the ground for British nationals and their families at what is an incredibly difficult time.”
Miliband said British officials were working with Nepalese authorities, emergency responders and staff at the British Embassy in Kathmandu to ensure affected people received necessary assistance and information.
“We will continue to do everything we can to support British nationals impacted by this tragedy,” he said.
Beyond consular assistance, the UK government announced a £5m humanitarian package to support Nepal’s flood response.
The FCDO said the funding would contribute to the Nepalese government’s emergency efforts through United Nations agencies, the Red Cross and non-governmental organisations.
The UK said the latest assistance builds on its support for Nepal’s efforts to strengthen resilience against climate-related disasters over the past 15 years.
The FCDO also said additional humanitarian specialists had been brought in to strengthen coordination and preparedness as the emergency develops.
“Given the scale and complexity of the situation, the UK has also brought in additional humanitarian expertise,” it said.
The department explained that deploying specialist personnel early would help improve coordination and decision-making during the rapidly changing crisis.
British nationals in Nepal who require consular assistance have been advised to contact the British Embassy in Kathmandu or the FCDO.
Those in the UK concerned about relatives or friends affected by the floods have also been encouraged to seek assistance through the FCDO.
