India, China, and World Bank Pledge Support for Flood Rescue and Reconstruction in Nepal
KATHMANDU — India, China, and the World Bank have extended immediate coordination and relief assistance to support Nepal with rescue, relief, and reconstruction efforts following catastrophic flash flooding in the country.
Shortly after reports of widespread flood damage emerged, David Sislen, the World Bank’s Country Director for Nepal, communicated to Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle that the multilateral lender could mobilize up to Rs 25 billion from various resources as emergency disaster assistance.
Immediate Neighborhood Assistance
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India: Southern neighbor India requested an emergency inventory list of essential relief materials from the Nepali government. Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal, in coordination with the Prime Minister and senior cabinet officials, stated that preparations were underway to airlift Indian relief aid directly to Kathmandu.
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China: Northern neighbor China has committed to providing immediate cash assistance. Chinese Ambassador Zhang Maoming reached out to the Government of Nepal through the Finance Minister to expedite the transfer process.
Government Response & Crisis Declaration
Expressing gratitude for the swift commitments from neighboring nations and donor agencies, Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle stated that the government is actively discussing modalities for mobilizing the aid through inter-governmental coordination.
The pledges come after an emergency Cabinet meeting officially declared the affected municipalities across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts as ‘Disaster Crisis Zones’, paving the way to channel both domestic and international emergency assistance to the devastated regions.
