KATHMANDU, Aug 28: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $5 million emergency grant to support rescue and relief operations in areas devastated by the floods and debris flows that struck communities along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems on August 26.
Announcing the assistance, ADB President Masato Kanda said the grant would help provide food, safe drinking water, shelter, medicine and other urgent support to affected communities.
“The losses are devastating and are still being counted, but this assistance will help deliver essential support to people who need it most,” Kanda said.
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According to ADB, the disaster has caused widespread loss of life, injuries, displacement and severe damage to homes, infrastructure and essential services in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading districts. The government has declared the affected areas disaster crisis-affected zones and is leading large-scale response efforts, while search-and-rescue operations and damage assessments continue.
The grant, financed through ADB’s Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund, will cover the costs of search-and-rescue equipment, medical supplies, food, safe drinking water, temporary shelters, sanitation and hygiene materials, debris clearance, emergency stabilization work and logistical support.
ADB said it is working closely with the Government of Nepal, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, United Nations agencies and other development partners to assess the evolving situation and support relief and recovery efforts.
In addition, the bank is processing up to $150,000 through a separate disaster-response window to support a post-disaster needs assessment, recovery planning and preparation for possible reconstruction investments. The assessment will evaluate damage and losses, identify sectoral needs and help set recovery priorities.
ADB said it will continue supporting Nepal throughout the emergency response as well as the longer-term recovery and reconstruction process.
