Relief Fund Collection Surges to NPR 4.38 Billion Following Bhotekoshi Floods

Kathmandu — Contributions to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund have surged following the devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi area, with more than NPR 4.38 billion collected as of Friday evening to support rescue, relief and reconstruction efforts.

The fund received more than NPR 1.91 billion within the first 36 hours after the government called for financial assistance following the devastating Bhotekoshi floods on Wednesday. According to the Ministry of Finance, donors deposited NPR 1.918 billion into accounts maintained at 10 commercial banks between Wednesday afternoon and midnight Thursday.

The floods in the Bhotekoshi River near the Nepal-China border caused widespread damage and prompted the government to declare the affected areas disaster zones. Following the government’s appeal, individuals, businesses and other organizations began contributing to the relief fund.

As contributions continued to come in, the amount collected rose significantly. According to the Finance Minister’s Secretariat, NPR 4.380 billion had been deposited into accounts at nine commercial banks by 6:30 p.m. Friday.

An additional USD 680,618, equivalent to approximately NPR 103.8 million, had been deposited into accounts at Himalayan Bank and Laxmi Bank, according to the secretariat. Including this amount, the total financial support raised through the designated bank accounts was even higher.

The government has designated the Ministry of Finance as the focal ministry for collecting and coordinating contributions to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund. Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has personally accepted institutional contributions of NPR 10 million or more, while individuals wishing to provide cash assistance can submit their contributions at the ministry.

The fund had NPR 2.172 billion in savings before the latest wave of contributions. After the initial 36-hour collection period, the balance had increased to NPR 4.091 billion, according to the ministry. The latest figures show that contributions have continued to rise substantially since then.

Private-sector organizations have also made significant contributions. Surya Nepal Pvt. Ltd. donated NPR 150 million to the fund. The company’s Managing Director Gaurav Tayal, Vice Presidents Dipra Laheri and Ravi KC, and General Manager Prem Aryal handed the cheque to Finance Minister Wagle on Friday.

The Padma Jyoti Group also contributed NPR 50 million to the fund. The Jyoti Group said its contribution was aimed at supporting efforts to help affected communities return to normal life.

The government has said the funds will be used for the rescue of people affected by the floods, the search for those missing, treatment of the injured, provision of food and safe shelter, and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure.

The Finance Ministry said the latest contributions do not include financial assistance announced by various friendly countries. The government is continuing to coordinate the collection and mobilization of funds as rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts continue in the flood-affected areas.