Kathmandu [Nepal], September 2 – Prime Minister Balendra Shah has said the government cannot afford to take a break during a disaster simply because it is tired, stressing and the leadership must provide people with courage, support and confidence during times of crisis.
Addressing the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Shah said the government was working around the clock to respond to the devastating Bhotekoshi flood in Rasuwa.
He said that even as the country’s leadership was grieving there was little time for lamentation as the government had to remain focused on the rescue and relief effort.
“With that same strong resolve and courage we had no choice but to fight this disaster and we still don’t. We are fighting,” Shah said.
Referring to the massive flood that struck the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa on August 26, Shah paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the disaster.
He expressed condolences to families who lost their loved ones and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
Shah also acknowledged the anguish of families still searching for missing relatives saying the disaster was not limited to Rasuwa, Nuwakot or Dhading but had affected the entire country.
“This pain is not just of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, or Dhading it is a ‘collective thunderbolt’ struck on the heart of the entire Nepal,” he said.
Shah subsequently briefed lawmakers on the government’s ongoing rescue, relief and other measures aimed at protecting people affected by the devastating flash flood.
