Government approves risk allowance, relief measures for Bhotekoshi flood response

The government has approved risk allowances and meal expenses for security personnel and civil servants involved in search and rescue operations following the Bhotekoshi flood.

The decision was made at a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, government spokesperson Sasmit Pokhrel said. Personnel injured during the rescue operations will receive free medical treatment, while families of those who die in the line of duty will receive NRs 1 million in relief.

The Cabinet also approved an Integrated Business Recovery Plan to support individuals, industries, traders and businesses affected by the flood. The package will include relief, tax and customs-duty exemptions and other concessions aimed at helping affected businesses resume operations.

The government has also agreed to accept a US$5 million grant from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the protection, rescue and relief of people affected by the flood.

Other Cabinet decisions included allowing Salt Trading Corporation and Food Management and Trading Company to import 25,000 metric tonnes of sugar at a 1% customs duty.

The government also decided to observe September 7 (Bhadra 22) as a national day of mourning for those who lost their lives in the Bhotekoshi flood. The national flag will be flown at half-mast at government offices and Nepali diplomatic missions abroad.

A public holiday will also be observed nationwide on September 8 (Bhadra 23) to mark Gen Z Martyrs’ Day.

The Cabinet further promoted Narayan Prasad Bhatt to secretary and appointed him as chief secretary of the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers of Koshi Province.

The measures come as authorities continue search, rescue, relief and recovery efforts in areas affected by the Bhotekoshi flooding.