KATHMANDU: The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has decided to provide Rs 50 million in financial assistance for the rescue and relief of families affected by the devastating flood in the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa.
Expressing sorrow over the heavy loss of life and property, the NRNA urged the government, local authorities and relevant agencies to give top priority to saving lives, rescue operations and relief efforts in the affected areas.
NRNA General Secretary Dr Chiranjivi Khadka said the decision was taken at an emergency meeting to launch a relief and rescue programme for flood victims in Rasuwa.
The association has formed a main committee for “Relief and Rescue for Rasuwa Flood Victims” under the coordination of NRNA President Dr Hem Raj Sharma. A separate committee led by Treasurer Krishna Timalsina has been formed to raise financial support.
Similarly, committees have been formed under Vice President Manoj Gorkhali to mobilise volunteers and under General Secretary Khadka to coordinate the mobilisation of National Coordination Councils (NCCs).
Chief Executive Officer Rajendra Kumar Raut has been assigned responsibility for coordinating with the Disaster Management Committee and relevant government agencies.
The NRNA has also decided to immediately deploy medical and volunteer teams to affected areas and urged its office-bearers and members to participate in rescue and relief operations as volunteers.
The association has instructed its NCCs in different countries to form similar committees and mobilise financial support for the rescue, relief and rehabilitation of flood victims in Rasuwa.
NRNA said arrangements would be made to collect donations through debit cards, PayPal, digital wallets and banking channels.
The association also plans to collect details of NRNA members and officials whose families may have been affected by the floods and coordinate with government agencies for necessary rescue and relief.
In a statement issued by General Secretary Khadka, the NRNA paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the disaster and expressed condolences to the bereaved families. It also wished those injured and affected a speedy recovery.
