Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli urged the public to help the victims of deadly floods that killed 224 people, with two dozen still missing, according to Asian media.
This is not just the government’s pain, but the nation’s pain. We are all deeply affected by this disaster.
Oli’s statement followed public outrage over the government’s slow response to the crisis and inadequate humanitarian assistance. He also directed authorities to fully utilise state resources to address the ongoing crisis.
Officials said the death toll had risen to 224, including 35 children. 158 people were injured and 24 went missing.
Heavy flooding that began on Thursday and lasted 48 hours caused significant damage to infrastructure and communication systems across the country. Damage from the disaster is estimated at 17 billion Nepalese rupees (about US$126,600).
Sixteen hydropower plants were also damaged, reducing Nepal’s electricity production, with 18 other projects under construction affected, according to government chief secretary Eak Narayan Aryal.
The Government deployed the army to some areas to help the local administration restore traffic and open roads. Seventeen road sections along various highways remain blocked due to severe damage caused by landslides and floods.
The disaster began after heavy rains triggered floods and landslides in several regions on Thursday.
