The Nepalese government honors the victims of the Bhotekoshi River flood in Rasuwa by designating September 7 as a national day of mourning and announces support measures for affected communities and rescue personnel.
KATHMANDU — In response to the devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi River area of Rasuwa, Nepal has declared September 7 a National Day of Mourning to honor those who lost their lives. The national flag will be flown at half-mast at government offices across Nepal and diplomatic missions abroad.
The government also announced that September 8 will be observed as a public holiday recognizing Gen-Z Martyrs’ Day.
At a recent Cabinet meeting held in Singha Durbar, government spokesperson and Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel outlined additional measures to support rescue and relief efforts. Security personnel and civil servants involved in search and rescue operations will receive risk allowances and meal stipends, while injured individuals will be provided free medical treatment. Families of personnel who died during these operations will each receive a compensation sum of 1 million Nepali rupees.
Further support for affected communities includes the acceptance of a $5 million grant from the Asian Development Bank designated for rescue and relief efforts. The government approved relief measures alongside tax and customs concessions and an integrated business recovery plan aimed at helping individuals, industries, and businesses resume normal operations following the floods.
Additionally, the government authorized Salt Trading Corporation and Food Management and Trading Company to import 25,000 metric tonnes of sugar at a reduced customs duty of 1% to stabilize supplies.
The Cabinet also promoted Narayan Prasad Bhatt to secretary in the gazetted special class of the Nepal Administration Service and appointed him chief secretary of the Koshi Province Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers.
These concerted government actions underscore Nepal’s commitment to addressing the humanitarian impact of the floods and facilitating recovery for the affected population.
Sources referenced:
- https://thehimalayantimes.com/kathmandu/nepal-to-observe-national-mourning-for-bhotekoshi-flood-victims-sept-7