By Ashish Kumar Mandal,Kathmandu : Following the disastrous flood in Rasuwa’s Bhote Koshi River, the government has completed search, rescue, and relief operations and is now actively moving toward rehabilitation. In a message to the nation via social media, Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) expressed his gratitude to all citizens, security personnel, public representatives, and the international community for demonstrating patience and support during this hour of disaster.
According to Prime Minister Shah, the government is working on a war footing for the rehabilitation of flood-affected areas, relief distribution, infrastructure reconstruction, and the control of potential health risks.
NPR 1 Billion Released and Financial Assistance
me The Government of Nepal has released NPR 1 billion for the flood-affected regions. Out of this, NPR 67.5 million has already been disbursed through the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority to 15 local levels across 3 districts.
To date, over NPR 6.3665 billion has been collected in the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund from home and abroad. Following the NPR 1 billion disbursement, the fund currently maintains a balance of NPR 5.3665 billion. Additionally, more than USD 6.111 million has been received in bank accounts.
Rescue, Relief, and Shelter Status
So far, 11,884 people have been rescued from flood-affected areas, while 3,916 individuals remain missing. Of the 292 injured, 182 have been discharged after receiving medical treatment.
Thousands of citizens are currently taking shelter in various holding centers across Nuwakot, Dhading, Rasuwa, and Kathmandu. In Nuwakot alone, relief has been provided to 2,653 people across 19 temporary shelters.
Rapid Repair of Transportation and Infrastructure
The flood damaged the Galchhi–Betrawati–Rasuwagadhi road and various sections of the Prithvi Highway, along with 48 suspension bridges and 31 motorable bridges.
Debris on the Prithvi Highway has been cleared, and traffic movement has been restored.
The damaged Krishnabhir section of the Mugling–Narayangadh road will be brought back into operation within the month of Bhadra.
The process of installing Bailey bridges in 3 locations has begun, while feasibility studies are underway at 20 other locations.
Health Alertness and Epidemic Prevention
To prevent potential epidemics in affected areas, a “Post-Disaster Communicable Disease Surveillance and Response Plan” has been implemented. The Nepalese Army is conducting disinfection campaigns and spreading health awareness via miking. Mental health counseling teams and ambulances have been deployed to alleviate trauma and mental stress.
Scientific Management of Bodies and DNA Testing
To date, 1,050 bodies have been recovered following the flood. Unidentified bodies are being managed through scientific procedures while preserving DNA samples in accordance with the ‘Unclaimed Body Management Guidelines, 2083’. Citizens with missing relatives can submit DNA samples at the Nepal Police Hospital or District Police Offices. Relatives living abroad can send DNA soft copies via the police email (dnacodis@nepalpolice.gov.np).
International Assistance and Support
Significant support is being received from friendly nations during this crisis:
India: 68.5 tonnes of relief materials, an 11-member rescue team, and refrigerated containers.
China: NPR 300 million in financial aid, 50 tonnes of relief materials, a rescue team, and ongoing assistance processes for 30 Bailey bridges.
Other Countries: Pakistan (86 tonnes of relief), UAE (USD 10 million pledge and 83 tonnes of materials), Sri Lanka (USD 1 million), USA (USD 500,000), Australia (USD 1 million), and Switzerland (1 million Swiss Francs).
International Financial Institutions: Pledges for concessional loans have been received, including USD 5.15 million from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and USD 167 million from the World Bank.
Severe Impact of Climate Change
Citing discussions with experts, Prime Minister Balen Shah stated that the catastrophic Bhote Koshi flood was triggered by an ice-rock avalanche in the Himalayan region. He clarified that a temperature rise of up to 1.8°C in the Himalayan area highlights the severe impacts of climate change, a matter Nepal will strongly advocate for in international forums.
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