The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said on Friday that the specially trained crisis response team would arrive in Kathmandu on Saturday to reinforce consular operations and coordinate assistance with local authorities.
Nepal was hit by devastating flash floods on August 26 after a sudden surge of water entered the Bhote Koshi River in the mountainous Rasuwa district, near the Nepal-China border.
The flooding caused extensive damage to homes, roads, bridges, hydropower facilities and other infrastructure, according to Nepalese authorities.
The FCDO said the Rapid Deployment Team would assist British nationals arriving at and departing from the airport, support those seeking information about missing relatives and liaise with local authorities and emergency responders.
“The team will also work closely with families in the UK who are concerned about loved ones in affected areas,” the FCDO said.
The office added that its staff were “working around the clock to support British nationals and their loved ones.”
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the deployment was necessary because of the scale of the emergency.
He said, “The scenes from Nepal are devastating, and our thoughts remain with everyone affected.
“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.
“Our staff are working closely with the Nepali authorities, emergency responders and our embassy in Kathmandu to ensure those affected can access the assistance and information they need. We will continue to do everything we can to support British nationals impacted by this tragedy.”
The UK is also providing a £5m humanitarian package to support Nepal’s flood response through a combination of United Nations, Red Cross and non-governmental organisation interventions.
The FCDO said the assistance builds on the UK’s support for Nepal’s resilience to climate-related disasters over the past 15 years.
“Given the scale and complexity of the situation, the UK has also brought in additional humanitarian expertise.
“Early deployment of specialist personnel helps strengthen preparedness, coordination and decision-making during rapidly evolving emergencies,” the FCDO said.
The office advised British nationals in Nepal requiring consular assistance to contact the British Embassy in Kathmandu or the FCDO.
It also urged people in the UK concerned about family members or friends affected by the floods to contact the office for support.
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