Kathmandu, Sept 7: President Ramchandra Paudel has said that since the pain of the citizens affected by the flood in the Bhotekoshi river in Rasuwa on August 26, who became homeless due to natural disaster, lost relatives, were displaced, and lost their means of livelihood, is very deep, so right now they need support and reassurance from the state.
The Head of the State has also stated that complaints and demands of the victims be understood as a sign to solve the problems, and not as criticism.
President Paudel said so in his address to the nation today after visiting the areas affected by the flood in the Bhotekoshi river in Rasuwa and Nuwakot and returning to the capital Kathmandu.
The President expressed the confidence that the government is working to make all efforts for the rescue, search, relief, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of flood victims more effective by coordinating with local authorities and all levels, bodies, structures, and stakeholders of the state.
He mentioned that he came forward to speak to the citizens during this difficult and sad moment when we Nepalis are going through deep grief and pain, saying that he is with everyone in this hour of sorrow.
“The pain of citizens who have become homeless, lost relatives, been displaced, and lost their means of livelihood in this natural disaster is extremely deep. Right now, they need the support of the state, they need reassurance, and I believe that the government, political parties, and all civil society organizations are active for that. In this moment of sorrow, I also want to assure that I am with everyone,” said President Paudel.
He further said, “We know that listening to the voices of citizens affected by disasters and being sensitive to their suffering is a fundamental duty of a democratic state, so I urge the government and all relevant bodies to view the complaints and demands of the victims not as criticism, but as important signals for finding solutions.”
Noting that he is short of words to ease the deep pain at this moment, President Paudel said, “I want to reassure everyone waiting for news of their family members and friends that search and rescue operations will continue. The whole nation truly feels the pain of this moment of uncertainty that you are going through.”
He emphasized that every rescued person should have access to food, clean drinking water, safe shelter, essential medical care, and psychosocial services.
President Paudel said that right now, it is important to pay special attention to children, senior citizens, people with disabilities, pregnant women, and other vulnerable citizens who need special protection, and that temporary shelters should be safe and dignified.
The President stressed each rescued citizen should have access to food, pure drinking water, safe shelter, necessary medical facilities, and psychosocial counseling.
The President pressed the need to pay special attention to addressing the needs of children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, vulnerable communities and citizens in need of special protection. The temporary shelter managed for the disaster affected should be safe and dignified and we all should aware of and sensitive about such needs.
According to the President, it is crucial to provide accurate information to the families of both Nepali citizens and foreign nationals and facilitate and extend humanitarian support to grieving families to bring their loved ones back to home. Most importantly, those who lost their lives in this disaster deserve to be remembered and treated with dignity, respect and compassion.
“The procedures to identify the deceased should be carried out in a highly sensitive and accountable way.” I believe that the government will pay its special heed to making the identification procedures reliable and well-managed by preserving all evidences including DNA samples and other documents,” the President said.
Nepal forced to face a terrible natural disaster and the August 26 devastating flood caused by a glacier collapse along with an avalanche rocks brought unimaginable suffering to the Nepali citizens. This disaster has swept away countless human lives, families and livelihoods supports, causing extensive and serious damage to the nation’s key infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and hydroelectric projects, the President said.
“The entire nation is in mourning over this catastrophic disaster. I pay my heartfelt tribute to all the citizens who lost their lives in this disaster and express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I wish the injured a speedy recovery and the search and rescue of the missing citizens to be successful as soon as possible,” President Paudel added.
The Head of State highly acknowledged the roles played by the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, health workers, local people’s representatives, employees, volunteers, and all individuals and organizations involved in rescue and relief efforts.
President Paudel shared that many involved in rescue operation entered extremely dangerous areas for the rescue of the victims and the affected people, putting their lives at risk.
“I want to say with pride that their indomitable courage, dedication and sense of service represent Nepal’s exemplary humanitarian sentiments and national character. However, difficult geographical condition, damaged roads, unstable and hazardous conditions must not be the reasons to halt or abandon the search and rescue operation,” opined the President.
He also extended heartfelt tribute to all foreign nationals, whether working in Nepal, visiting as tourists, trekking in Himalayan region or undertaking spiritual journey, who lost their lives in the disaster and expressed sincere condolences on the behalf of Nepal to all the families who have lost their loved ones.
Stating that Nepal regards every citizens within its territory as a member of its own family, President Paudel underlined that government would coordinate with governments and diplomatic missions of concerned countries whose citizens are affected from Bhotekoshi flood.
Similarly, he extended gratitude towards all neighbouring friendly countries and members of international community for their rapid support and cooperation by providing search and rescue personnel, technical experts, medical teams and necessary equipment amidst the huge challenges facing by Nepal during the difficult hour.
The President recalled that Nepal had faced different types of disasters like earthquake, flood and landslide in the past and every time, Nepali people have tackled such difficult situations with extraordinary courage, patience and indomitable determination.
“I call on all political parties, elected people’s representatives, civil society, organisations involved in humanitarian support and rescue, private sector, business community and all citizens to stand united during this difficult hour,” he underscored.
“This is the time to show national unity and solidarity. It is a time for reconstruction, rehabilitation and economic revival. I think it’s time to rethink on our development model at a time when we are embarking on reconstruction, rehabilitation and economic revival process,” President Paudel emphasized.
He argued that this disaster not only shows exceptionally deteriorating state of our Himalayan environment, but also makes serious reminder about risks arising from steadily rising global temperature.
“I sincerely call on the international community not only to listen the voices of ecologically affected nations including Nepal, but also to take concrete and effective steps to ensure climate justice to them,” he added. Likewise, President Paudel expressed the belief that God would grant us necessary strength and courage to face and overcome this unexpected and terrible disaster.
