KATHMANDU: Nepal Telecom has announced a relief package providing communication services to citizens and rescue agencies affected by the floods in the Bhote Koshi River.
The initiative targets residents in Rasuwa, Dhading, Gorkha, Chitwan, Nuwakot, and Tanahun districts, as well as those living along the Prithvi Highway affected by the floods that occurred on Aug. 26.
According to Nepal Telecom spokesperson Dr. Kamal Lamichhane, the company will provide free NT Fiber cables and routers to replace those damaged by the floods. For customers whose service period has expired, the company will extend the validity for three months free of charge. Customers who lost or damaged their SIM cards can receive replacements, provided they submit five frequently contacted numbers and update their Know Your Customer (KYC) details.
To support rescue and relief operations, the company has coordinated with various agencies to expand communication services. In coordination with the Nepal Army, 210 SIM cards have been provided to facilitate communication for rescue efforts. Furthermore, the toll-free number 18105000402 of the Mental Health and Counseling Center-Nepal (CMC-Nepal) has been made free of charge for three months to provide psychological support.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has been provided with free dark fiber connectivity, along with one year of high-speed internet and technical support for data collection and field reporting. For relief management, the Nepal Police Disaster Rescue and Response Training Center and the Radha Swami Satsang Vyas Center in Samakhushi have been provided with 100 Mbps internet for one month. Additionally, the disaster management unit of the Bharatpur District Administration Office has received free 100 Mbps internet for one year.
Nepal Telecom stated it has already provided approximately Rs 200 million in aid, including employee contributions, for relief and rehabilitation in the flood-affected areas. The company noted that the floods caused damage worth millions to its telecommunications infrastructure, and reconstruction work is currently underway.
