Kathmandu, August 26
Prime Minister Balen Shah has expressed grief over the deaths and devastation caused by the Rasuwa floods, assuring affected families that the government stands with them during the crisis.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Shah said the scale of the human and physical damage had left the country shocked. He offered condolences to those who lost family members and said the government would take responsibility for the rescue, treatment, food and shelter of those affected.
Shah said security agencies were mobilised immediately after the disaster, with the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police deployed for search and rescue operations. More than 250 people have so far been rescued by Nepal Army helicopters, he said, with injured survivors brought to Kathmandu for treatment.
He said 100 beds have been reserved at Bir Hospital and the National Trauma Centre for free treatment of flood victims, while other major hospitals in Kathmandu have also been kept on standby.
Medical teams, including doctors and health workers from the security agencies, have been deployed to affected areas for rescue and emergency treatment. The Nepal Scouts and World Health Organization have also sent medical personnel, rescuers and health supplies, according to Shah.
The government is coordinating with blood transfusion centres, the Bagmati and Gandaki provincial health ministries, Nepal Red Cross Society, Lions Club and Nepal Scouts to ensure adequate emergency healthcare, medicines and blood supplies.
Shah said search efforts for those still missing would be intensified and that a detailed assessment of the casualties and physical damage was still underway. Rescue operations would continue throughout the night, he added.
The prime minister identified Vidur in Nuwakot; Uttargaya and Gosainkunda in Rasuwa; Gajuri, Galchhi, Benighat, Tripurasundari and Siddhalek in Dhading; and Shahid Lakhan and Gandaki rural municipalities in Gorkha as among the worst-affected areas.
He said the government would immediately provide food, clean drinking water, medicines and temporary shelter to affected families.
Shah also pledged to prioritise the reconstruction of damaged roads, bridges, electricity and drinking water infrastructure and to relocate displaced families to safer areas.
“State is standing with you with all its resources and means,” Shah said, urging affected people to remain patient and calling on social organisations, businesses, youth volunteers and citizens to support the relief and rescue efforts.
