PM Shah lauds security personnel involved in flood response

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Balendra Shah has expressed deep appreciation for security personnel working tirelessly in flood-affected areas and assured them that the government will not compromise on their services, safety and facilities.

Joint efforts by the Nepali Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force, Nepal (APF Nepal), have resulted in the rescue of more than 13,300 people from flood-hit regions. Authorities have recovered 1,341 bodies, while an estimated 1,000 people remain missing, including around 600 foreign nationals from 35 countries.

In a message shared on social media on Sunday, PM Shah said millions of people had felt safe during the crisis because of the sacrifice, dedication and courage of security personnel. He thanked their families for encouraging them to remain on duty and expressed special gratitude to experts deployed from Nepal and abroad to assist with crisis management.

Security teams are transporting injured people to hospitals by road, helicopter and other available means. They are also working around the clock to manage the deceased with sensitivity, prevent outbreaks of infectious diseases and support people in relief camps.

Commanders are issuing instructions from their respective headquarters and the command post of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority. They are also coordinating efforts to maintain the morale of personnel in the field.

Following the onset of the floods, the Nepali Army established a forward headquarters, an emergency medical rescue team and a main forward airbase at Maithil Barrack in Trishuli Battar, Nuwakot, under the leadership of a deputy commander.

A tactical headquarters, a forward medical team comprising doctors and an additional airbase are operating at Dhunche Barrack in Rasuwa under an assistant commander. Army engineers have accelerated the construction of Bailey bridges and road clearance, including the installation of an Acrow bridge in Devighat, Nuwakot. A total of 9,287 army personnel are working in the affected areas.

Nepal Police are leading the management of the deceased, providing continuous updates from high-risk areas, ensuring public safety and maintaining law and order. A total of 7,975 police personnel, including a specialised dog team, have been deployed in the affected regions.

Meanwhile, 4,203 APF Nepal personnel are conducting direct search and rescue operations using specially trained divers, rope teams and other rescue units. The force has established disaster response posts, field command posts and 13 disaster response bases.

Rescue and forensic teams from India, China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Malaysia are assisting with operations and with DNA profiling, analysis and identification of the deceased.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has facilitated flights carrying relief materials and rescue teams from friendly countries and international organisations. It is also coordinating with Chinese authorities to help Nepali citizens return home.

Authorities are continuing efforts to restore roads, electricity and telecommunications and deliver relief to affected communities. Nepal Army engineers are constructing a temporary bridge over the Tadi River to reopen the Galchhi-Trishuli road. Two ropeways have also been brought into operation at Trishuli Indrenighat and Devighat.

A Post-Disaster Needs Assessment is underway alongside an initial Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment to determine the full extent of the damage and the cost of reconstruction and recovery.