Nepal’s evacuation lessons after Afghan and Ukraine crises

Kathmandu’s poor diplomatic presence, lack of resources, laid-back attitude and weak administration hamper rescue, officials say.

When Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, Nepal was completely unaware of the number of Nepali nationals in the Eastern European country. As tensions escalated, people started to flee the war-hit country and countries across the world rushed to evacuate their citizens. Nepal neither had plans nor the wherewithal.