Finance Minister Wagle Assures Unhindered Resources for Flood Rescue and Rehabilitation

KATHMANDU — Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle conducted an on-site inspection of the flood-ravaged districts of Nuwakot and Rasuwa on Saturday, assuring that the government will not allow any shortage of resources for ongoing rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts. Visiting the Nepal Army-led command post in Bidur, the minister directed concerned authorities to carry out relief distribution and medical responses without hesitation.

During the inspection, Major General Ranjit Thapa briefed the minister on the current ground situation. Thapa stated that security personnel have heavily prioritized search and rescue operations, with a special focus on safely evacuating individuals trapped inside flooded hydropower tunnels. The army also highlighted the urgent need to install Bailey bridges to quickly restore road networks severed by the disaster.

Minister Wagle also visited the aerial rescue center at Gauthali Barracks, holding centers in Tallo Pipaltar, and devastated areas including Dhunge Bazaar and the damaged bridge linking Devighat and Jiling. Meeting with distressed families pleading for the swift rescue of their relatives trapped in the tunnels, Wagle urged them to remain patient, assuring that security forces are working around the clock on high-priority extraction missions.

Addressing local representatives and political leaders at the District Coordination Committee hall later in the day, Wagle emphasized the need for unity in post-disaster response. Reaffirming the central government's commitment to providing adequate budgets and logistics, he urged local authorities to work efficiently in managing temporary housing and food supplies for the displaced victims.