UK sends rapid team to Nepal as 33 Britons caught in deadly floods

The UK has sent a Rapid Deployment Team to Kathmandu to assist 33 British nationals affected by Nepal's devastating floods. The move adds consular support and humanitarian backing as desperate families await news and rescue efforts continue.The UK has sent a Rapid Deployment Team to Nepal to support 33 British nationals affected by the devastating floods in the Himalayan nation, as families in the UK continue to appeal for information and pray for their loved ones. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said the team will begin work in Kathmandu from Saturday, adding support on the ground and helping British nationals arriving at and leaving the airport.The deployment is part of the UK's wider response, which also includes 5 million pounds in humanitarian support for relief and recovery efforts. The floods were triggered on Wednesday after an ice-rock avalanche following a glacial collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border sent water, mud and debris downstream through central Nepal, wiping out habitations, damaging key infrastructure and washing away hydropower stations.By Saturday, the death toll had crossed 600 and more than 2,400 people remained missing. Nearly 2,500 people, including 163 foreigners, had been evacuated as rescue teams worked against time amid intermittent rainfall in the affected areas. More than 11,000 security personnel, including over 5,000 Nepal Army personnel, have been mobilised for search and rescue operations.The UK's specially trained crisis response staff are expected to reinforce consular operations, coordinate assistance with local authorities, support those seeking information about missing relatives, and liaise with emergency responders. UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said, "The scenes from Nepal are devastating, and our thoughts remain with everyone affected." He added, "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." In the UK, family members of the 33 British nationals caught up in the disaster have continued their appeals and prayers. Among them are British Indians from the South London Sanatan Mandir and Community Centre, who were on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra as part of a pilgrimage tour organised by the temple. Manager Sachin Bagla said they are "praying intensely" for the safety of their loved ones and others still waiting for news of those caught up in the flash floods on Wednesday.The FCDO said British nationals in Nepal who need consular assistance should contact the British Embassy in Kathmandu or call its UK helpline at +44 (0)20 7008 5000. An FCDO spokesperson said, "We recognise this is a distressing time and are working around the clock to support families and loved ones of British nationals missing in the floods. We are coordinating closely with the Nepali and Chinese authorities and have deployed consular staff to the region to ensure British nationals can access support." The department said the latest deployment forms part of the UK's wider response alongside the 5 million pounds already pledged, with aid aimed at supporting the Nepal government's efforts through the United Nations, Red Cross and NGOs. The Foreign Office added, "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." British Prime Minister Andy Burnham had said on Thursday that immediate UK action already included deploying consular support staff to the impacted area to provide round-the-clock support for British nationals. Overall, the UK response has combined consular help, emergency deployment and humanitarian funding as the search, rescue and relief effort continues in flood-hit Nepal. With PTI Inputs- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Aug 29, 2026 16:36 IST