Kathmandu : The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $5 million emergency grant to fund urgent rescue and relief operations after the devastating floods and debris flows struck communities along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems on 26 August.
The ADB shared it in a press statement on Friday.
“This $5 million grant is a promise kept,” said ADB president Masato Kanda. “When people in our member countries need us, we will be there for them. Families along these rivers have lost loved ones, homes, and the basic services their communities need. Help cannot wait. The losses are devastating and are still being counted but this will help get food, safe water, shelter, medicine, and other urgent support to people who need it now. When disaster strikes, ADB moves,” the statement reads.
The disaster has caused tremendous loss of life, injuries, displacement and severe damage to homes, infrastructure, and essential services in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts. The Government of Nepal has declared the affected areas disaster crisis-affected zones and is leading large-scale response operations. Search and rescue operations and assessments of the damage and community needs are continuing, the ADB said in the statement.
The grant, financed through ADB’s Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund, will help pay for search and rescue equipment, medical supplies, food, safe drinking water, temporary shelter, sanitation and hygiene supplies, debris clearance, emergency stabilization work, and logistical support. ADB is working closely with the Government of Nepal, including the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, United Nations agencies, and development partners to assess the changing situation and support the country’s response and recovery.
It further informed that it is processing up to $150,000 through a second window of the disaster response fund to support a post-disaster needs assessment, recovery planning, and preparation for possible recovery and reconstruction investments. At the government’s request, the assessment will measure damage and losses, identify needs across affected sectors, and help set priorities for recovery and reconstruction.
