PM Shah says saving lives remains top priority as Bhote Koshi flood response intensifies

The government has urged donors to use only official QR codes published on the Prime Minister’s Office website to prevent fraud and ensure transparency. Details of transactions are being made available through the public Rescue Request Portal.

International assistance includes a USD 5 million grant and USD 150,000 in technical assistance from the Asian Development Bank, a USD 167 million concessional loan from the World Bank, USD 500,000 from the United States, USD 1 million from Australia and 1 million Swiss francs through the United Nations.

India has supplied 57.5 tonnes of humanitarian aid and medicines along with 2,000 airtight body bags. China and the United States are also facilitating relief assistance, while Nepal has requested 30 Bailey bridges from China to support the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure.

Authorities are simultaneously working to restore communications and transportation links to isolated communities.

Of the 198 telecommunications towers disrupted by structural damage or power failures, 161 have been restored after emergency supplies of fuel, solar panels and generators were delivered. The restored towers include 90 operated by Nepal Telecom and 71 by Ncell.

Rasuwa has also been reconnected to the national road network through an alternative route running through Tokha, Chhare, Narja and Kalikasthan, which is currently suitable for small four-wheel-drive vehicles. Meanwhile, the Galchhi–Malekhu section has been cleared of heavy sludge, allowing the Prithvi Highway to reopen.

Authorities said 675 bodies have been recovered from eight districts. Airtight body bags are being used to manage the remains in accordance with government directives.

DNA samples and identification markers are being preserved for unidentified bodies to facilitate possible identification in the future, while bodies that have been identified are being handed over to their families.

Prime Minister Shah thanked citizens, security personnel and volunteers involved in the response and called on media organizations and social media users to share only verified information and avoid content that could undermine public morale during the crisis.