Nepal Refused Aid from Latvia: 6000 Blankets and 50 Helmets Were Not Needed

This is evidenced by information prepared by the Ministry of the Interior of Latvia. On August 29, 2026, after catastrophic floods and landslides caused by glacier collapse, Nepal activated the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), requesting international humanitarian assistance. The State Fire and Rescue Service of Latvia (VUGD), acting as the national contact point for this mechanism, received the corresponding request through the EU Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC). In response, VUGD, together with the Emergency Medical Service (NMPD), assessed the available state material reserves and determined what assistance Latvia could provide to the affected country. As a result, it was proposed to send 6000 blankets and 50 protective helmets to Nepal for rescue operations. Half of the blankets were allocated by the fire and rescue service, and the other half by the Emergency Medical Service. After a political decision was made, Latvia officially submitted the offer through the European humanitarian aid coordination system. The authorities in Nepal initially confirmed their readiness to accept the cargo. VUGD prepared the humanitarian shipment from state reserves, and the government of Latvia approved its transfer. However, the situation unexpectedly changed. As events unfolded and search and rescue operations were conducted, the authorities in Nepal reassessed the needs of the affected areas and concluded that the assistance offered by Latvia was no longer required. In mid-September, the Latvian fire and rescue service received official notification of the refusal of the humanitarian cargo. The Ministry of the Interior has now prepared a draft government decision to revoke the previously adopted order to provide assistance to Nepal. It is worth noting that the devastating floods that struck Nepal and Tibet at the end of August resulted in numerous human casualties. According to previously published data, about 1450 people died, and more than 4500 are reported missing. Among the missing in China and Nepal, according to reported data, are also 33 citizens and other subjects of Latvia.