Nepal Flood Death Toll Hits 626 as Relief Fund Receives Rs 2.295 Billion
More than Rs 2.295 billion has been contributed to Nepal Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund following the devastating flash floods that struck the Himalayan nation on Wednesday.
The death toll from the floods has risen to 626, while the disaster has caused widespread destruction across several areas, sweeping away homes, vehicles, roads and bridges and damaging hydropower infrastructure.
Nearly 2,500 people have been evacuated so far, but more than 2,400 remain missing as rescue and relief teams continue operations in the affected areas.
The Nepal government declared the flood-hit areas disaster zones after the catastrophe, leading organisations, institutions and individuals to contribute to the Prime Minister’s relief fund.
According to sources at the Prime Minister’s Office, the fund received Rs 1.91 billion between Wednesday afternoon and midnight on Thursday. A further Rs 385.5 million was contributed on Friday.
With these latest donations, the fund’s total balance has increased from Rs 2.17 billion to Rs 4.09 billion.
The Ministry of Finance has been designated as the government’s focal ministry for receiving donations and coordinating assistance for the disaster response.
According to the ministry, contributions have been deposited into accounts maintained at 10 commercial banks.
Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has also been accepting contributions of Rs 10 million or more from institutional donors in person, according to his secretariat. Individual contributors can similarly make cash donations by visiting the ministry.
In a further contribution to the relief effort, Prime Minister Balendra Shah and members of his Cabinet have decided to donate one month’s salary to the disaster relief fund. The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting on Friday.
The government continues to coordinate rescue, evacuation and relief operations as authorities work to reach people stranded in flood-affected communities and account for those still missing.
with inputs from PTI
