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Nepal stepped up efforts to coordinate an international response to the devastating floods that swept through northern districts on Wednesday, with the World Bank offering up to ₹25 billion (approximately $262 million) in emergency assistance and India is sending financial and material aid to Kathmandu.
The catastrophic flash flooding killed at least 95 people. The toll is likely to rise. Hundreds of tourists, including foreign nationals, are missing.
The Nepal Cabinet declared flood-affected local levels in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading as disaster crisis-hit areas, allowing the government to mobilize resources and coordinate domestic and international assistance on an urgent basis.
The move comes as the floods caused widespread damage to settlements, roads, bridges and essential services, leaving affected communities in need of immediate relief as well as support for rehabilitation and reconstruction.
World Bank Country Director for Nepal David Sislen contacted Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle at around 10:35 am after reports of the disaster emerged and conveyed the World Bank’s readiness to mobilize up to ₹25 billion in emergency assistance through various financing channels.
The proposed assistance is expected to support Nepal’s immediate response and help finance the restoration of damaged infrastructure and essential public services as the government assesses the full extent of the destruction.
The World Bank’s early intervention is also significant as the scale of the disaster is expected to put considerable pressure on Nepal’s public resources, particularly as the country moves from rescue and relief operations towards recovery.
India has also moved to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to Nepal. The Indian government has asked Nepal to provide a list of relief materials urgently required for flood-affected communities so that consignments can be prepared and dispatched.
Indian officials said relief material, including medicines and rations, would be sent to Nepal by Indian Air Force aircraft under the government’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) initiative.
Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal said preparations were under way to bring the relief supplies to Kathmandu on Wednesday in coordination with Prime Minister Balendra Shah, Finance Minister Wagle and other senior officials.
The assistance is expected to focus on immediate requirements as rescue teams and local authorities continue to respond to the emergency.
China has also expressed readiness to provide immediate financial assistance to Nepal. Chinese Ambassador Zhang Maoming has urged the Nepalese government, through the Finance Ministry, to initiate the necessary process for transferring the funds, according to officials.
The proposed cash assistance would give the Nepalese government additional flexibility to meet urgent requirements and direct resources towards areas facing the greatest shortages.
Nepal Finance Minister Wagle thanked India, China and Nepal’s development partners for their swift response and commitments, while stressing the need for an effective mechanism to coordinate and utilize the assistance.
The government is holding discussions with international partners on arrangements for receiving, distributing and using financial aid, relief materials and other forms of assistance.
Officials said coordination would be crucial as support begins arriving through multiple channels, particularly to avoid duplication and ensure that assistance reaches the worst-affected communities.
The declaration of Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading as disaster crisis-hit areas is expected to strengthen the government’s ability to coordinate relief operations and mobilize additional resources.
With the immediate focus on rescue, relief and restoration of essential services, Nepal is also preparing for the longer task of repairing damaged roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure and helping affected communities restore their livelihoods.
The early commitments from the World Bank, India and China provide additional financial and logistical support at a critical stage, but their effectiveness will ultimately depend on how quickly and efficiently the assistance is converted into relief on the ground.
Nepal’s foreign minister said an earthquake triggered a large landslide, which in turn blocked the Bhote Koshi river, sending a torrent of water downstream from China to Nepal.
Meanwhile, leaders from across the globe have expressed solidarity with the people of Nepal and have started issuing relief materials to the disaster-hit country.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed solidarity with the people of Nepal following the deadly floods in the country, saying India stands with its “sisters and brothers in Nepal at this difficult time.” He also said India was ready to provide “all possible humanitarian assistance” to Nepal.
The US Embassy in Nepal expressed deep sadness over the loss of life caused by flooding in Rasuwa district and offered condolences to the families of those who died.
The embassy also urged US citizens in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Chitwan and Tanahun to avoid affected areas, stay away from riverbanks and low-lying areas, seek higher ground and follow instructions from local authorities.
Moreover, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung ordered an “all-out” rescue effort in response to the floods, according to his spokesperson. Lee directed the South Korean government to prioritize the safety of its citizens while coordinating with the Nepalese government and local authorities.
