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Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah has called the flash-flood situation in the country an “unprecedented disaster” and asserted that the government is engaged in rescue and relief operations “as quickly and effectively as possible”.
Additionally, seven Nepali citizens trapped inside a tunnel were also rescued. In a statement released today, Shah said that the Nepali Army has so far rescued 116 people from Timure in Rasuwa district. Of these, 95 are Nepali citizens, and 21 are Indian nationals.
“Rescue flights have been operating since 6:30 AM this morning. More than 15 flights have been conducted so far, and additional helicopters have been kept on standby for rescue operations…At a time when the country is facing this unprecedented disaster, the government is engaged in rescue and relief operations as quickly and effectively as possible. At least 165 people have been killed in Nepal and Tibet in the flash floods, with hundreds, including a large number of foreign tourists, remaining missing. Nepal Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, while speaking at the NDTV World Anviksha Summit in Kathmandu, said that at least 300 Indian nationals – mostly Mansarovar pilgrims – have been reported missing. In all, around 500 foreign nationals are out of contact at present, the minister said.
With the support and cooperation of the entire country, Nepalis around the world, and the international community, we are collectively facing this difficult situation,” he said. The Nepali PM said that during the rescue operations, critically ill people, the elderly, women, and children will be given priority for evacuation by helicopter. Efforts are underway to rapidly deliver essential relief supplies, including generators, portable mobile towers, medical supplies, tents, and machines for cutting iron and stone, among other items, according to Shah. “Temporary arrangements for mobile network connectivity and mobile phone charging will soon be established in the disaster-affected areas to help people maintain communication,” he said.
