Kathmandu : Nepal Prime Minister Balen Shah has expressed gratitude to India and China for stepping in quickly with relief support after the devastating floods that have claimed over 1,000 lives in the Himalayan country.
Addressing Parliament, Shah said turning down foreign assistance was never a consideration in a disaster of this scale. He said Nepal had worked with partner countries to ensure aid reached the affected areas in time through the private sector.
“Our friendly nations, China and India, had sent technicians. From the very first day, they had conducted reconnaissance, including aerial reconnaissance, to assess the extent of the damage in the area and determine whether it was possible to reach the location,” he said.
The Prime Minister said Indian technicians managed to get to cut-off pockets at the earliest opportunity. “This was an exceptional situation. The mud and sludge at the location were so severe that not only excavators, but even personnel from the Army and Armed Police Force had no place to stand,” he added.
India has despatched five consignments of relief material so far, which included tunnel rescue specialists, specialised equipment and more than 70 tonnes of essential supplies.
