The Nepal government has officially declared areas affected by the devastating Bhotekoshi River floods as disaster zones for three months, allowing authorities to launch emergency rescue, relief and rehabilitation measures.
The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting held at Singha Durbar on Wednesday as the government responded to one of the country’s most serious flood disasters in recent years.
Under Section 32 of Nepal’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, 2074, the declaration enables authorities to quickly mobilise resources, coordinate emergency operations and provide support to communities affected by the disaster.
Government launches emergency response plan
Government spokesperson and Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel said the Cabinet paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the floods and expressed condolences to affected families.
The government announced that injured victims would receive free medical treatment, with hospitals and emergency healthcare facilities being mobilised to support those affected.
The Home Ministry and Defence Ministry have been instructed to immediately carry out rescue operations, assist injured victims and relocate people living in high-risk areas to safer locations.
Army and helicopters deployed for rescue
The government has authorised the mobilisation of the Nepal Army, private helicopter operators and other emergency resources to accelerate search and rescue missions.
Authorities will coordinate with disaster management agencies and local emergency committees to provide food, shelter and essential supplies to displaced families.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), Home Ministry and local disaster committees have been assigned responsibility for managing relief distribution and temporary accommodation.
Infrastructure restoration prioritised
The government has directed the Ministry of Infrastructure Development to begin restoring damaged public facilities.
Priority areas include repairing destroyed roads, restoring transportation links and ensuring safe drinking water supplies in flood-affected communities.
Officials said damaged public infrastructure will be rebuilt through coordinated efforts involving government agencies and available emergency funding.
Financial support for victims and reconstruction
The Cabinet also decided to provide financial assistance to families who lost relatives in the disaster according to existing government regulations.
Finance Minister has been assigned responsibility for coordinating financial resources required for reconstruction and restoration of damaged infrastructure.
The government said both domestic resources and possible external assistance will be mobilised to support recovery efforts.
Continued relief operations
The disaster declaration is expected to speed up rescue, relief and rebuilding activities in communities affected by the Bhotekoshi River flood.
Authorities continue to assess damage, search for missing people and provide emergency support as rescue teams remain active across the affected regions.
