Nepal has reversed its initial decision and will allow foreign rescue teams and specialists to work in selected areas after devastating flash floods. The decision came hours after the Foreign Ministry said on Friday afternoon that outside rescue assistance was not needed. A senior ministry official said the government changed course amid pressure from the international community.

The floods began on 26 August after a barrier lake on the Bhotekoshi River and its tributary, the Lehende River, burst. The disaster struck Nepal’s northern border district of Rasuwa and Gyirong district in Tibet, China. The released water carried mud, rocks and debris, covering wide areas in both districts.

According to figures from Kathmandu and Beijing, 1,924 people are missing in Nepal and another 558 in Tibet. Nearly 800 foreign nationals from 35 countries are among those missing, including citizens of India, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea. India, South Korea, Australia and other countries had offered assistance, while Nepal had initially said its own rescue forces were sufficiently capable. The government now plans to admit a limited number of specialists into designated areas.