Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The government has sought specialized rescue equipment, forensic expertise and other emergency supplies from neighboring countries and international partners as it continues search, rescue and relief operations following the devastating Bhotekoshi floods on August 26.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lok Bahadur Paudel Chhetri said, during a press briefing on Monday, that Nepal particularly needs support for tunnel rescue, DNA testing, forensic identification, body management, freezers, LiDAR technology, high-capacity drones and temporary bridges.
According to Chhetri, 903 bodies have been recovered, while around 4,200 people are unaccounted for. “More than 10,000 people, including over 323 foreign nationals, have been rescued so far, while around 590 foreign nationals from 39 countries are still reported missing,” he added.
Nepal has already received specialized rescue teams from India, China and South Korea. An 11-member tunnel rescue team from India is working in Mailung, Chilime and Syafrubesi, while a nine-member Chinese team is assisting in Upper Trishuli 3A. A team from South Korea has also been mobilized, he added.
According to Chhetri, India has also sent 18 forensic experts specializing in DNA analysis. He added that Nepal has requested Singapore to send a Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) team.
The government has requested freezers, DNA testing kits and LiDAR equipment from the United States. Similarly, it has sought DVI services from Singapore and high-capacity drones from China and Singapore. “Additional equipment are expected from Japan and South Korea,” he added.
