Kathmandu— Following recent catastrophic flooding in Nepal’s Bhotekoshi river, which impacted settlements in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts, businesses across the country have mobilized to provide financial and material support for rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts. The Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund (PMDRF) has received significant contributions from organizations like the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), Global IME Bank Limited, and numerous other companies, while Nepal Rastra Bank has removed limits on digital payments to facilitate donations. Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle initiated a streamlined process for accepting these contributions as aid reaches affected communities.

Corporate Donations Surge

Kumari Bank Limited led early corporate support with a Rs. 30 million cheque presented to the Finance Minister, alongside a donation of surveillance drones, generators, and power banks valued at approximately Rs. 3.9 million for use by the Nepali Army in Nuwakot. Global IME Bank Limited pledged Rs. 50 million under its Corporate Social Responsibility program, focusing on search operations, medical care, food, shelter, and infrastructure reconstruction in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, and Chitwan. The Independent Power Producers' Association, Nepal (IPPAN), along with its member companies, collectively contributed Rs. 50.5 million to the PMDRF, also committing to assist in rebuilding damaged hydropower projects.

Industry Associations Mobilize Support

Several industry associations have coordinated collective responses. The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) committed Rs. 50 million and began distributing relief materials – including tents, food, clothing, and medicine – to 500 families in Nuwakot, coordinating with local authorities and planning the deployment of medical teams globally. Udhyog Sangathan Morang provided Rs. 1.5 million in cash assistance and urged its member industries to contribute as they are able. The NADA Automobiles Association of Nepal pledged Rs. 1 million and appealed for broader stakeholder support.

Material Aid and Technological Assistance

Beyond financial contributions, businesses are providing essential goods and technological resources. Maxus Nepal, in partnership with Saic Maxus Automotive Co. Ltd., China, allocated Rs. 7 million, including a commitment of Rs. 5 million to the PMDRF and Rs. 2 million for direct relief supply distribution. The Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) is collecting and distributing relief materials through district chambers in affected areas, deploying drones with payload capacities of 50 and 100 kilograms to support rescue operations. Divakar Golchha Organisation announced it would provide construction materials for temporary rehabilitation centers.

Banking Sector Facilitates Relief

The banking sector is actively supporting relief efforts by easing financial transactions and restoring access to services in affected areas. Nepal Bank Limited donated Rs. 31 million, while Sanima Bank Limited contributed Rs. 22.5 million to the PMDRF. The Confederation of Banks and Financial Institutions Nepal and Nepal Bankers' Association (NBA) stated they are working to restore banking access for customers and coordinate with the government and Nepal Rastra Bank on policy measures. They also pledged support for affected employees, their families, and citizens.

The Disaster Response Committee established by the Confederation of Nepalese Industries is actively collecting and distributing relief materials, indicating a sustained effort to address the ongoing needs of those impacted by the floods.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.