Kathmandu. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved an emergency grant worth USD 5 million (approximately Rs 680 million) for immediate rescue and relief operations in flood and landslide affected areas of Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading.

The ADB announced the assistance following the loss of lives and property due to the devastating floods and mudslides in and around the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems on August 26.TAG_OPEN_p_13

ADB Chairman Masato Kanda said that ADB is with Nepal for necessary assistance, saying that there should be no delay in providing immediate relief to the affected people. According to him, the families affected by the floods have lost their relatives, homes and basic services. In such a situation, the grant will be used to provide food, safe drinking water, temporary shelter, medicines and other essential items.TAG_OPEN_p_12

Floods and landslides have caused human casualties, injuries, displacement and extensive damage to houses, roads, bridges and other infrastructure in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading districts. The government of Nepal has been carrying out rescue, relief and rehabilitation works by declaring the affected areas as disaster-hit areas.

TAG_OPEN_p_10 According to the ADB, the grant was provided through the Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund. The money will be spent on search and rescue materials, medicines and health supplies, food, safe drinking water, temporary housing, sanitation materials, removal of debris from blocked roads and structures, emergency stabilization and transportation management.

The ADB is also coordinating with the Government of Nepal, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), UN agencies and other development partners on the assessment and rehabilitation plan.TAG_OPEN_p_9

Meanwhile, ADB is also in the process of providing up to $150,000 for post-disaster needs assessment, recovery plan preparation and preparation for potential reconstruction investment. The study is expected to help determine the extent of damage, economic losses and reconstruction priorities in various sectors.TAG_OPEN_p_8

Established in 1966, the ADB has long supported disaster risk reduction, infrastructure strengthening, and emergency preparedness in Nepal. The bank pledges to continue to collaborate with the Government of Nepal on the process of rescue, rehabilitation, and reconstruction in the flood-affected areas.TAG_OPEN_p_7