The Labour government has mobilised an urgent relief effort to assist British nationals and aid local recovery following severe flash flooding across Nepal.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has announced the dispatch of a Rapid Deployment Team to Kathmandu, backed by a £5 million emergency aid package to support crisis response on the ground. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the offer of emergency responders was a matter for the Nepalese government, and that families of missing British nationals would receive all possible support.
Reaffirming the UK’s commitment to protecting citizens abroad, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said supporting affected families remains the government’s top priority.
“Supporting British nationals and their families is our absolute priority. That’s why we’re deploying a Rapid Deployment Team to Nepal to help those affected by the flash flooding.”
Swift action on the ground
The crisis response unit, composed of specially trained crisis managers and consular personnel, will operate out of Kathmandu alongside staff at the British Embassy and local emergency authorities.
The team’s primary duties include:
- Consular assistance: establishing direct support hubs at key transit points and airports for departing and arriving British citizens.
- Family liaison: coordinating with UK-based families seeking information about missing relatives in affected regions.
- Emergency coordination: working alongside Nepalese responders and international relief agencies to ensure assistance reaches those in urgent need.
Comprehensive emergency support package
In addition to the consular deployment, the UK’s £5 million funding package will deliver immediate humanitarian relief through partnerships with the United Nations, the Red Cross and local non-governmental organisations. The funding will help provide shelter, clean water, medical care and essential supplies to communities devastated by the flooding.
British nationals in Nepal requiring urgent consular support can contact the FCDO 24/7 hotline on +44 (0)207 008 5000.
