ADB approves $5 million emergency grant for Nepal flood relief
KATHMANDU: Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $5 million emergency grant to support urgent rescue and relief operations after floods and debris flows struck communities along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems on Wednesday.
In a press statement on Friday, ADB President Masato Kanda said, "This $5 million grant is a promise kept. 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 floods caused significant 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 crisis-affected zones and is leading large-scale response operations. Search and rescue teams and assessments of damage and community needs are continuing, the ADB said.
Financed through ADB’s Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund, the grant will cover search and rescue equipment, medical supplies, food, safe drinking water, temporary shelter, sanitation and hygiene supplies, debris clearance, emergency stabilisation work and logistical support. ADB is coordinating with the Government of Nepal, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, United Nations agencies and development partners to monitor the situation and support response and recovery efforts.
The ADB added 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.
