Kathmandu, September 3
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has briefed representatives of diplomatic missions based in Kathmandu on ongoing search, rescue and relief efforts following the Rasuwa floods. At its regular press conference on Thursday, ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri provided details of the diplomatic briefing held at the ministry and discussions on other current issues.
During the briefing, Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal, along with ambassadors and representatives of international organisations, was briefed on the current situation in Nepal. The diplomatic representatives expressed their condolences over the disaster and reiterated their governments’ and organisations’ solidarity and commitment to assisting, according to Chhetri.
He said the government also shared updates on progress made so far in search, rescue and relief operations and expressed gratitude for the support received. Responding to a question about plans to organise a donor conference, spokesperson Chhetri said the government was coordinating with the relevant agencies on the matter.
The ministry also clarified the situation of around 1,400 Nepali citizens currently in Kerung, China. According to the spokesperson, around 100 of them are in the process of returning to Nepal through the Tatopani border point. Refuting some unverified reports circulating on social media, he said, “They have not gone missing and been found. The Nepalis who were in Kerung for work were stranded there because the roads were blocked.”
According to the ministry, coordination is underway with the Chinese side to prioritise the return of Nepalis who have lost family members or relatives in the disaster or who need to return home urgently. The ministry said arrangements would be made to bring them back to Nepal as soon as possible, even by using alternative routes.
