Nepal Must Face Bhotekoshi Flood Crisis With ‘Determination and Courage’: PM Shah
Prime Minister Balendra Shah says rescue and relief efforts are underway as authorities work to restore essential services across flood hit districts.
KATHMANDU, Sep 2: Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Wednesday called for courage and determination to confront the devastation caused by the Bhotekoshi floods, assuring Parliament that the government was taking steps to support affected communities and strengthen rescue operations.
Addressing the House of Representatives, Shah said the scale of the disaster required leadership focused on providing reassurance, assistance and confidence to people rather than being overwhelmed by the tragedy.
The floods, triggered by flash flooding following a reported ice-and-rock collapse or avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, caused widespread destruction across northern and central parts of Nepal. More than 1,100 people have reportedly died, while over 4,800 remain missing.
Shah described the destruction in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading as a national tragedy, saying the disaster had affected the entire country rather than being limited to the three districts.
“In this hour of crisis, we have accepted the reality that the country’s leadership must provide courage, support and reassurance, not tears,” Shah said, according to reports.
He stressed that the government had no choice but to confront the situation with determination and continue relief efforts in the affected regions.
Rescue and evacuation operations intensified
The prime minister said security agencies had been mobilised for rescue and relief operations, while local authorities were advising residents in vulnerable areas to relocate to safer locations.
Army helicopters have been deployed for rescue and evacuation missions, with private helicopters also kept on standby to assist if required.
The government has approved financial assistance for families who lost members in the disaster. The affected areas have also been designated as crisis-hit zones for a period of three months.
Shah said those injured in the floods would receive free medical treatment, while arrangements were being made to provide food and shelter to people forced to leave their homes.
Authorities focus on restoring essential services
The prime minister said local and provincial administrations were coordinating efforts to restore electricity, drinking water supplies and transport connectivity in areas affected by the floods.
Official figures from Nepal Police showed that bodies had been recovered from several districts, including 348 in Chitwan, 217 in Nawalparasi East, 190 in Nawalparasi West and 155 in Nuwakot.
Authorities also recovered 66 bodies in Gorkha, 59 in Dhading, 45 in Rasuwa and 38 in Tanahu.
The government continues to coordinate rescue, relief and rehabilitation measures as emergency teams work across the disaster-hit areas.
