Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah has appealed to citizens to remain patient and stand together as the country battles the aftermath of devastating flash floods that have killed at least 95 people. The floods swept through villages in Rasuwa district and caused extensive damage along the Bhote Koshi River, leaving several people missing and triggering large-scale rescue operations.
Shah said the government had mobilised all available resources for rescue, relief and medical assistance. Emergency meetings involving the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, the National Council and the Cabinet were held to strengthen the response. The Nepali Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Guard teams were deployed to search for people in affected areas.
More than 250 people were rescued by the Nepali Army using helicopters, according to Shah, while injured victims were brought to Kathmandu for treatment. He said saving the lives of the injured, locating missing people and ensuring the safety of those affected were the government's immediate priorities as rescue teams continued operations in the flood-hit areas.
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Medical assistance has also been expanded in Kathmandu. Shah said 100 hospital beds had been allocated at Bir Hospital and the National Trauma Center for free treatment of those injured in the disaster. Other major hospitals in the Kathmandu Valley were also kept ready to receive victims, while medical teams were sent to affected areas to provide first aid and assist with evacuations.
The government has directed authorities to arrange food, clean drinking water, medicines and temporary accommodation for affected families. Nepal Scouts, the World Health Organization and other organisations have also contributed doctors, rescue personnel and medical supplies to the relief effort. Officials are collecting details of injured people and coordinating with local authorities as the search for survivors and missing persons continues.
Shah also promised priority reconstruction of roads, bridges, electricity and water-supply infrastructure damaged by the floods. Displaced families are to be resettled in safer locations, he said, while assuring affected communities that the government would remain with them throughout the crisis. His appeal for patience and unity comes as rescue and relief teams continue working in areas severely affected by the flash floods.
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