One week after the severe flash floods that caused significant destruction in at least three districts near Kathmandu, Prime Minister Balendra Shah made an infrequent visit to Parliament on Wednesday, marking his fourth appearance in four months. He emphasized that Nepal would seek both justice and international support for rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.
Shah remarked that the flash flood, which occurred on August 26, was an unforeseen disaster, but the government responded quickly and effectively. He commended the efforts of security forces, who promptly engaged in search and rescue operations, managing to save over 13,000 individuals.
While Shah did not confirm whether he would lead a Nepali delegation to the upcoming UN General Assembly, he stressed the importance of advocating for justice concerning the losses and damages incurred by Nepal, a country affected by climate change and global warming largely attributed to emissions from developed nations.
During his address to the House of Representatives regarding the flood’s impact, Shah stated, “This incident highlights the increasing risks faced by people in mountainous regions as a result of climate change… The global community bears responsibility for managing and mitigating its effects.”
Previously, the Prime Minister characterized last week’s events as a national tragedy, praising the efforts of the Nepalese army, police, and armed forces for their commendable actions in the crisis.
He noted the unprecedented challenges posed by floodwaters and mud entering tunnels, complicating rescue operations and highlighting the lack of available technology to address such situations effectively.
As of Wednesday, the death toll from the catastrophic floods in Nepal had reached 1,243, with approximately 4,875 individuals still unaccounted for, as rescuers faced ongoing rain and debris.
Regarding international aid, Shah stated, “There is no question of rejecting international assistance during such a significant crisis, and we have been coordinating with the global community to secure support since the onset of this disaster.”
He also mentioned that the government has adhered to legal and scientific protocols for handling the remains of unidentified victims, temporarily burying them after collecting DNA samples for future identification by relatives.
