Kathmandu— Prime Minister Balendra Shah of Nepal has stated that the government is actively engaged in search, rescue, treatment, relief efforts for flood survivors and safe management of citizens affected by a major disaster in the Himalayan region. The Prime Minister highlighted on social media that the flood caused by an avalanche of snow and rocks in the Bhotekoshi River is the biggest disaster in the region, indicating increasing risks due to climate change.

Gratitude for Support

Prime Minister Shah expressed heartfelt gratitude to all security personnel, civil servants, media, officials of various agencies, volunteer organizations, and the general public who have been deployed in affected areas. He also commended the support from provincial and local governments, friendly countries, domestic and foreign organizations, and the media.

Search and Rescue Efforts

The government is focused on search and rescue operations in the affected areas while prioritizing the collection and distribution of relief supplies to survivors. Security personnel have reached out to 3,696 survivors through air and road via four collection centers and 27 distribution centers in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts.

International Assistance

Prime Minister Shah highlighted the international community's assistance in disaster management. Friendly countries including India, China, the US, UAE, Qatar, Japan, Switzerland, and Australia have provided support. The Government of India has sent a 230-foot single-lane modular steel bridge with a commitment to send seven more Bailey bridges, while China is set to provide 30 Bailey bridges.

Rehabilitation Initiatives

The government is initiating discussions on how to rehabilitate survivors and has given priority to the construction of temporary bridges. A study has been conducted for installing Bailey bridges at three locations, and efforts are underway to collect details including the number of survivors and physical damage incurred in coordination with local governments.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.