The United Kingdom has deployed a Rapid Deployment Team to Nepal to support British nationals and their families affected by devastating floods near the Nepal-China border.
Nepal was struck by severe flash floods on August 26, 2026, after a sudden surge of water entered the Bhote Koshi River in the mountainous Rasuwa district near the border with China.
Nepalese authorities said the floods caused extensive damage to homes, roads, bridges, hydropower facilities and other critical infrastructure.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said on Friday that its specially trained crisis response team would arrive in Kathmandu on Saturday to reinforce consular operations and coordinate assistance with local authorities.
The deployment forms part of Britain’s wider response to the disaster, which has caused widespread destruction 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 added that its staff were “working around the clock to support British nationals and their loved ones.”
The Rapid Deployment Team will assist British nationals arriving at and departing from the airport, support people seeking information about missing relatives, liaise with local authorities and emergency responders, and strengthen existing consular operations.
“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 scale of the disaster prompted the deployment of the additional response team.
“The scenes from Nepal are devastating, and our thoughts remain with everyone affected,” Miliband said.
“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 £5 million humanitarian package to support Nepal’s response to the floods.
The FCDO said the assistance would support the Nepalese government’s emergency response through a combination of interventions by the United Nations, the Red Cross and non-governmental organisations.
The package also builds on UK support aimed at strengthening 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.
British nationals in Nepal who require consular assistance have been advised to contact the British Embassy in Kathmandu or the FCDO.
The department also urged anyone concerned about family members or friends affected by the floods to contact the FCDO for support.
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