India, Aug. 29 -- Nepal has reversed its earlier decision to reject foreign search-and-rescue teams, allowing specialist assistance from India, China, South Korea and Australia as rescuers continue searching for thousands of people missing after devastating floods and landslides.

The disaster struck on August 26, affecting large parts of Nepal and neighbouring Tibet in China. The worst-hit areas include Rasuwa district, near the China border, where flash floods and landslides destroyed roads, bridges, homes and hydropower infrastructure.

Nepal initially said on August 28 that its own security agencies could conduct search-and-rescue operations and did not require foreign rescue teams. Several countries, including India, China, South Kor...