Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle called Prime Minister Narendra Modi "exceptionally generous" as Nepal commended India on Saturday for its assistance during the disastrous floods that have killed over 600 people. He claimed that New Delhi has promised to offer substantial support for reconstruction.
An ice-rock avalanche following a glacial collapse close to the Nepal-Tibet border caused water, mud, and debris to flow downstream into central Nepal on Wednesday, causing the floods. Hydropower projects were harmed, homes, cars, roads, and bridges were washed away, and towns and villages were completely destroyed. Nearly 2,500 individuals were evacuated, but over 2,400 people were still unaccounted for. In response to a request from Kathmandu, an 11-person Indian team of medical professionals and tunnel rescue specialists has arrived in Nepal, and since Wednesday, India has provided 57.6 tons of relief supplies to the flood-affected areas.
Wagle told PTI Videos that Nepal was handling the situation "in phases" and that the Nepal Army had airlifted 1,930 people. "The immediate priority is to rescue people who can be saved, including those stranded or trapped in hydropower plants," he said.
He added that relief supplies were being airlifted to places like Dhunche, Rasuwa, and Syaphru Besi, which were shut off due to damaged roads. He continued, "The next phase will focus on early recovery, including temporary shelters and cash-for-work programs, followed by the daunting task of reconstruction."
Teams working in flood-affected areas amid sporadic rainfall have mobilized more than 11,000 security personnel, including more than 5,000 members of the Nepal Army, for search and rescue efforts. When asked if Nepal would go to other nations for assistance, Wagle emphasized India's backing.
"The Indian government and Prime Minister Modi have shown extraordinary generosity. When the 2015 earthquake occurred, I was working for the government, and I remember that the Indian government's compassion was truly remarkable," Wagle remarked. Following the floods, he said, special supplies had also been flown in from New Delhi, and India had promised to offer "very generous assistance for reconstruction." "Such support has also been forthcoming from all our neighbors," he added.
In addition to preparing for early recovery and reconstruction with assistance from India and other neighboring nations, Nepal is currently carrying out rescue and relief efforts after the floods inflicted extensive devastation throughout the country's central regions.
