Kathmandu: The government of Nepal has announced the release of Rs 1 billion for the Disaster Relief Fund, aimed at accelerating the rescue and relief efforts for communities affected by recent floods, landslides, and inundation. The decision was made during a Council of Ministers meeting held on Sunday evening.

The Ministry of Finance will promptly disburse the funds under the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act 2074 BS to facilitate immediate relief operations.

In honor of the victims, the cabinet has also declared a three-day national mourning period, during which the national flag will be flown at half-mast. Hundreds of lives have been lost due to the natural disasters caused by heavy rainfall on September 27 and 28.

Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, stated that the government has prioritized search, relief, and rescue operations, as well as free medical treatment and temporary settlement for displaced families. The cabinet has also approved plans to restore essential services such as drinking water, telecommunications, roads, and electricity.

In addition, ministries are required to submit an assessment of the losses caused by the disasters to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. The government will work closely with provincial and local governments to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and relocate vulnerable communities to safer locations.

The cabinet meeting also resolved to organize public transport in preparation for the upcoming festive season and to prevent artificial shortages and black-marketing. A team, including representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, will be mobilized to conduct on-site studies of the disaster-affected areas and ensure relief efforts reach the most affected districts.

In a show of solidarity, members of the Council of Ministers will donate one month’s salary to the Disaster Relief Fund. The cabinet expressed condolences to the families of the victims and wished for the quick recovery of the injured.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who recently returned from attending the 79th UN General Assembly, chaired the meeting upon his return to the country.