Nepal receives emergency assistance as relief operations continue

As Nepal continues search, rescue and relief operations following devastating floods in Rasuwa and Nuwakot, countries and international organisations have begun providing emergency assistance ranging from relief supplies and medicines to financial support.
At the national level, Nepal’s Ministry of Finance has allocated NRs 20 billion for immediate disaster response through the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund.

The government has also sought financial support from individuals, businesses and organisations to support flood-affected communities. 

Donations can be made to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund. The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has officially published the bank accounts and QR payment details. The government has urged donors to use these verified details rather than unconfirmed donation links circulating on social media.

Meanwhile, India has also provided an immediate response. It has sent a second consignment of 37.5 tonnes of humanitarian and disaster-relief supplies, following an earlier shipment of around 10 tonnes. The assistance includes food, essential medicines, temporary shelter materials, blankets, hygiene supplies and solar lamps. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said India remained in regular contact with Nepali authorities and was committed to supporting the disaster response.

The United States has announced $500,000 in emergency assistance and deployed a disaster-response adviser to support relief efforts.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has released emergency funding of around one million Swiss francs to support the Nepal Red Cross Society’s search, rescue and relief operations.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is providing medicines, emergency health supplies and multipurpose tents, while the United Nations and its partner agencies are mobilizing relief materials and personnel in affected areas.

China has pledged immediate cash assistance to Nepal, although the amount has not yet been made public. Bangladesh has also expressed its readiness to provide assistance for rescue and relief operations.

The World Bank has indicated that up to $170 million could potentially be mobilised from various sources to support recovery. However, the exact financing arrangement, including whether the assistance will come as grants, loans or reallocated project funds, has yet to be finalised. The Finance Ministry has said around NRs 1.5 billion from the proposed support could be made available immediately.