Kathmandu: Prime Minister Balendra Shah has provided updates on the ongoing post-disaster interventions, including search, rescue, relief distribution, and rehabilitation efforts following the devastating flash floods.
According to National News Agency Nepal, PM Shah made a social media post on Friday evening, informing the public that 4,451 survivors have been rescued, including 191 individuals rescued from a tunnel. Continuous shuttle flights are being conducted in Dhunche, Trishuli, Timure, Syafrubesi, and other areas with the help of 16 helicopters from the Nepal Army and the private sector. A total of 99 air flights have been carried out so far.
Special coordination efforts are in place for the search, rescue, and identification of foreign nationals. To date, 129 foreign tourists and citizens have been rescued and identified. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established an Emergency Control Room to coordinate with embassies and the families of those affected.
The Rasuwa district, which was severely impacted by the catastrophic flash flood, has been reconnected to the road network via the Bogatitar-Kalikasthan-Dhunche route. This route operates through Kathmandu-Tokha-Chhahare-Gadkhar Bridge-APPRA-Narja-Lachyang-Sarmathali-Patikharka. The district had lost its link to the national road network following the flash flood on August 26. Additionally, one-way traffic has resumed on the Kathmandu-Mugling road.
Formal initiatives are underway to acquire 10 bailey bridges, each 70 meters in length, from India and China to help restore road connectivity promptly. A comprehensive assessment of the damages is also in progress, with sectoral groups and 15 technical teams evaluating the impact on roads, bridges, electricity, drinking water, telecommunications, hydropower, and other infrastructure. Provisions for drinking water, fuel, and sanitation are being made.
Due to the risk of potential new floods in the Bhotekoshi and lower basin areas, early warnings have been issued, and monitoring is ongoing. Residents in high-risk areas have been urged to relocate to safer places. SMS alerts have been sent to over 200,000 people as a precautionary measure.
PM Shah disputed media reports suggesting that the government had declined foreign assistance, labeling such reports as misleading. He emphasized that continuous coordination is being maintained with India, China, and international partners for necessary assistance and materials for rescue and relief efforts. He noted that air safety, geographical access, and actual needs are considered when deploying helicopters for rescue operations.
The Prime Minister also provided updates on the status of medical services and the mobilization of doctors for treating those injured and airlifted from flood-affected areas. Efforts to restore telecommunications services continue, with 82 out of 120 NTC sites and 63 out of 78 Ncell sites resuming operations. Technical and energy resources are being mobilized for other affected areas. Electricity services have been restored in about 90 percent of Nuwakot, and Dhunche is expected to have electricity soon. Out of 198 affected towers/sites, 145 are back in operation.
The government is prioritizing the provision of safe shelter for survivors, identifying suitable relocation sites, and facilitating access to isolated settlements. A total of Rs 67.5 million has been distributed to 15 local levels affected by the floods for immediate relief, rescue, and necessary efforts. Furthermore, over Rs 1.9 billion has been collected in the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund in the past 36 hours.
All security agencies are working in close coordination to provide comprehensive disaster response efforts.