UK deploys response team to Nepal after floods

The United Kingdom has deployed a Rapid Deployment Team to Nepal to support British nationals and their families affected by devastating floods along the Nepal-China border.

PUNCH Online reports that Nepal was hit by devastating flash floods on August 26, 2026, after a sudden surge of water entered the Bhote Koshi River in the mountainous Rasuwa district, near the Nepal-China border.

Nepalese authorities said the flooding caused extensive destruction to homes, roads, bridges, hydropower facilities and other infrastructure.

However, on Friday, UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said the specially trained crisis response staff would arrive in Kathmandu on Saturday to reinforce consular operations and coordinate assistance with local authorities.

The deployment is part of the UK’s wider response to the flooding, which has caused widespread devastation and affected thousands of people across Nepal.

“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.

It said FCDO staff were “working around the clock to support British nationals and their loved ones.”

The Rapid Deployment Team will coordinate assistance for British nationals arriving at and departing from the airport, support those seeking information about missing relatives, liaise with local authorities and emergency responders, and reinforce existing consular operations on the ground.

“The team will also work closely with families in the UK who are concerned about loved ones in affected areas,” the FCDO said.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the UK was deploying the team because of the scale of the emergency.

Miliband 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 assist Nepal with response efforts following the floods.

The FCDO said the humanitarian assistance would support the Government of Nepal’s response “including through a combination of UN, Red Cross and NGO interventions.”

It added that the package builds on UK support to strengthen 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 FCDO advised British nationals in Nepal who require consular assistance to contact the British Embassy in Kathmandu or call the FCDO.

It also advised anyone concerned about family or friends affected by the flooding to contact the FCDO for support.