"Our focus is on search and rescue right now," foreign ministry spokesman Lok Bahadur Chhetri told AFP.

He said Nepal's security forces were capable of handling rescue operations, but the government would request specialised foreign expertise if needed.

"It is not that we will not need help, but our security network is capable and working effectively right now," he said.

"If Nepal needs any specialised help or expertise, then we will request it."

The prime minister's office has appealed for funds to help recover from the disaster, both domestic and international.

Floods and landslides struck the region on Wednesday, killing at least 482 people, while destroying homes, roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure.

Chhetri said multiple countries and international organisations had pledged financial assistance.

"Several friendly countries and international organisations have pledged help and assistance, and it is in process," he said.

"We have felt tremendous goodwill for Nepal."

Nepal's mountainous terrain and difficult access to the flood-hit northern border area have complicated rescue efforts, but the country has experienced helicopter rescue pilots used to carrying out emergency flights in its Himalayan regions.

The country also faced challenges coordinating multiple foreign rescue teams after a devastating earthquake in 2015, when dozens of international teams arrived to help search for survivors.