Nepal’s Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund has received more than ₹2.29 billion in fresh contributions within three days of the devastating flash floods that swept across parts of the Himalayan nation, as individuals, organisations and institutions stepped forward to support rescue and relief operations.
The latest contributions have taken the total balance of the government-managed relief fund to around ₹4.09 billion, according to information released by the Prime Minister’s Office. The surge in donations comes as Nepal continues to deal with the aftermath of one of the country’s most destructive recent flood disasters, which has killed hundreds of people and left thousands unaccounted for.
The flash floods struck on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction across several areas. Towns and villages were inundated as powerful torrents of water, mud and debris swept through populated areas, destroying houses, vehicles, roads and bridges. Several hydropower projects were also damaged, adding to concerns over infrastructure and connectivity in the affected regions.
According to the figures cited in the report, the death toll had climbed to 626, while more than 2,400 people were still reported missing. Nearly 2,500 people had been evacuated from flood-hit areas as authorities continued search, rescue and relief operations. Rescue teams have been working in difficult conditions to reach isolated communities and locate people who may still be trapped or missing.
The government’s appeal for financial assistance has received a strong response. More than ₹1.91 billion was deposited into the relief fund between Wednesday afternoon and midnight on Thursday, within roughly 36 hours of the appeal. A further ₹385.5 million was contributed on Friday, taking the combined fresh contributions to more than ₹2.295 billion.
The government has declared the affected areas disaster zones and is coordinating relief efforts through various state agencies. The Ministry of Finance has been designated as the nodal ministry for receiving donations and coordinating financial assistance for disaster-affected communities.
According to the Finance Ministry, contributions have been deposited into accounts maintained across 10 different commercial banks. Institutional donors contributing ₹10 million or more have been able to hand over their assistance directly to Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle, according to his secretariat. Individual donors have also been permitted to contribute by visiting the ministry in person.
The government has also announced measures to encourage contributions from public officials. Prime Minister Balendra Shah and members of his cabinet are expected to donate one month’s salary to the disaster relief fund. The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting on Friday as the government intensified its response to the unfolding crisis.
The disaster has placed enormous pressure on Nepal’s rescue and relief machinery. Apart from the loss of lives, the floods have severely affected transport links and essential infrastructure, with roads and bridges washed away or damaged in several locations. Damage to hydropower facilities has further complicated the recovery process.
The scale of the disaster has also prompted international assistance. India has sent relief supplies to Nepal, while other organisations and governments have extended support to communities affected by the floods. Nepal’s authorities continue to focus on evacuations, emergency assistance and the search for those still missing.
As rescue operations continue, the growing contributions to the disaster relief fund are expected to help the government provide immediate assistance to displaced families and communities and support the wider recovery effort. The authorities are facing the difficult task of delivering aid to areas where infrastructure has been severely damaged, while simultaneously assessing the scale of destruction caused by the floods.
The disaster has underscored Nepal’s vulnerability to sudden flooding and other hazards in its mountainous terrain. With thousands of people still missing at the time of the latest report, rescue teams remain engaged in search operations while the government seeks additional resources to meet the immediate humanitarian needs and begin the longer process of rebuilding damaged communities.
