KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Balendra Shah has made updates on the ongoing post-disaster interventions- search, rescue, relief distribution and rehabilitation works.
PM Shah made a social media post on Friday evening, informing everyone that 4,451 survivors were rescued, including 191 persons rescued from the tunnel. Shuttle flights are being operated continuously in Dhunche, Trishuli, Timure, Syafrubesi and other areas by mobilizing 16 helicopters from the Nepal Army and the private sector combined. As many as 99 air flights have been conducted.
Special coordination is in place for the search, rescue and identification of foreign nationals. So far, 129 foreign tourists/citizens were rescued and identified, he said, adding that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had operated an Emergency Control Room to coordinate with embassies and respective families.
Rasuwa, the district ripped by the catastrophic flash flood has been reconnected to the road network. The road is restored from Bogatitar-Kalikasthan-Dhunche route. The route operates through Kathmandu-Tokha-Chhahare-Gadkhar Bridge-APPRA-Narja-Lachyang-Sarmathali-Patikharka.
Rasuwa district had lost its link with the national road connectivity following the August 26 devastating flash flood. Similarly, one-way traffic began on the Kathmandu-Mugling road.
“Formal initiatives have been made to receive 10 bailey bridges of 70 metres in length from India and China so that it would help restore road connectivity soon,” he added.
PM further shared that a comprehensive assessment of the damages has begun. Sectoral groups and 15 technical teams were in place to evaluate the damage incurred to roads, bridges, electricity, drinking water, telecommunications, hydropower and other infrastructure. Arrangements are made for drinking water, fuel and sanitation.
In view of the risk of possible fresh flood in the Bhotekoshi and lower basin, early warning was issued and monitoring continued. Those in risky locations were urged to move to safe places. SMS alerts were circulated to over 200,000 people as early warning messages.
PM Shah refuted the media reports that government declined foreign assistance. It is misleading report, he said, adding that continuous coordination is being made with India, China and international partners for the necessary assistance and the materials for rescue and relief. However, while mobilizing helicopters for rescue, air safety, geographical access and real needs have been taken into account, he reminded.
He also updated the status of medical services, treatment and mobilization of doctors for the treatment of the injured ones who have been airlifted to different health facilities from the flood-ravaged sites.
With continuous works, 82 out of 120 of NTC and 63 out of 78 of Ncell sites have so far been able to resume service. Necessary technical and energy resources are mobilized for other areas. The government has speeded up efforts to restore electricity services. So far, the electricity service has been restored in about 90 percent of the areas of Nuwakot, while Dhunche will have electricity soon. Similarly, of the 198 affected towers/sites, 145 have come into operation.
Safe shelter for the people/survivors is paid much attention, for which identification of proper places and relocation is underway. Initiatives have been launched to facilitate access to settlements which are severed of road connection.
According to the PM, a total of Rs 67.5 million was provided to 15 local levels affected by the floods for immediate relief, rescue and necessary works. Similarly, over Rs 1.9 billion was collected so far in the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund in the last 36 hours.
All security agencies are working in close coordination for all-out efforts of disaster response.
