KATHMANDU: International donors and friendly countries are expanding their support for Nepal following the Bhotekoshi glacial flood, providing financial assistance, emergency relief, rescue support, technical expertise, medicines and infrastructure aid.
According to Prime Minister Balendra Shah, commitments for financial assistance are increasing as Nepal responds to the disaster. The Asian Development Bank has pledged a $5 million grant, while the World Bank has committed $167 million in concessional financing. The US government has pledged $500,000, while Australia has committed around $1 million in cash.
The Asian Development Bank has also pledged around $150,000 in technical assistance. Switzerland has provided around 1 million Swiss francs through the United Nations for humanitarian support.
India sends modular bridge, China asked for 30 Bailey bridges
Nepal has requested 30 Bailey bridges from China to restore road connectivity in flood-affected areas.
India on Sunday sent a 230-foot single-lane modular steel bridge and has committed to provide seven additional Bailey bridges.
Relief assistance has also started arriving from neighbouring and other countries, including India, China and the United States.
The government has been collecting financial contributions through the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund and the Prime Minister’s Fund. The Prime Minister’s Office has also launched an ‘Rescue Request Portal’ to provide information on rescue requests and funds received from domestic and international sources.
India leads relief supplies
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Mahabir Pun has been assigned responsibility for coordinating incoming relief assistance.
According to Pun, India has so far provided the largest quantity of relief supplies, totalling around 100 tonnes. The United Arab Emirates has sent about 80 tonnes, while China has delivered an initial 50-tonne consignment. Additional assistance is expected from several countries.
Nepal seeks body-storage freezers and DNA kits
The government has also requested international assistance for the identification and preservation of bodies recovered from the disaster.
Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai said the government has requested 1,000 body-storage freezers and 1,000 DNA testing kits from partners including India, Australia, the European Union and the UAE.
India has already sent 2,000 airtight body bags, while Indian forensic experts have arrived in Nepal to assist with DNA testing.
Rai said the government wants to ensure that families searching for missing relatives can receive identified remains through proper forensic procedures.
Relief supplies are continuing to reach people rescued from flood-affected districts including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan. The assistance includes tents, bedding, clothing and food supplied by foreign governments and domestic organisations.
The government says immediate needs include emergency medical services, food, safe drinking water and temporary shelter, with international partners continuing to provide assistance according to Nepal’s requirements.
