Kathmandu [Nepal], August 26 – India, China and the World Bank have offered immediate assistance to support rescue, relief and reconstruction efforts following devastating floods in Nepal.
World Bank Country Director for Nepal David Sislen informed Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle at around 10:35 am that the World Bank could mobilize up to Rs 25 billion in emergency assistance from various sources according to the government.
India has asked the government to provide a list of relief materials urgently needed for flood victims. Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal said preparations were underway to bring the Indian relief supplies to Kathmandu on Wednesday.
China has also agreed to provide immediate cash assistance. Chinese Ambassador Zhang Maoming has urged the government through the finance minister to begin the process of transferring the funds.
Finance Minister Wagle has thanked the neighbouring countries and development partners for their support and is coordinating with relevant agencies on the assistance mechanism.
The Cabinet’s decision to declare affected local levels in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading as disaster crisis zones has opened the way for mobilizing domestic and international assistance.
The support is expected to strengthen ongoing rescue, relief and recovery efforts in the flood-affected areas.
