Private power firms blame delayed foreign aid as Nepal battles flood disaster

A massive avalanche last week set off floods and mudslides that have trapped 933 workers from Nepal, South Korea and China inside hydropower tunnels under construction in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts. The Independent Power Producers Association of Nepal, led by CEO Bhim Gautam, criticized the government's initial reluctance to bring in foreign rescue expertise, citing a lack of technology and experience for large-scale water emergencies.

While the disaster management department now reports 903 fatalities and 4,247 missing persons, the private sector argues that approval for rescue teams from China, India and Australia arrived too late. Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle refuted claims of outright rejection of aid, saying assistance is accepted based on on-ground needs. Prime Minister Balen Shah confirmed that the army, police and foreign experts are currently engaged in rescue operations. Meanwhile, China’s foreign ministry defended its own reporting on casualties near the border, which remains at 16 dead and 546 missing.