Kathmandu, August 13

Various business organisations and civil society groups have announced relief funds and support packages for those who have been affected by the floods and landslides across the country due the continuous rainfall since last few days.

Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has announced that it has collected Rs 10 million in cash and kind in the fund set up to support the victims of the floods and landslides. The largest umbrella organisation of business houses in the country had contributed Rs one million to the fund as seed money. Association of Pharmaceuticals Producers of Nepal contributed medicines worth Rs five million to the fund. Nepal Young Entrepreneurs’ Forum contributed Rs 1.5 million in cash and kind to the fund. Likewise, Shanker Group contributed Rs 500,000, Clean Bagmati Campaign contributed Rs one million and other associations contributed Rs one million to the fund.

Similarly, private telecom service provider Ncell announced it is expanding its ‘sapati’ (loan) service, which it is providing to its customers. Ncell has also made its balance transfer service free. According to a media release issued by the company today, Ncell has increased its ‘sapati’ amount to Rs 60 from Rs 40 earlier. Likewise, it has removed the charge of Rs 1.50 levied during balance transfer.

Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has also called on its entire members to extend support to the people affected by landslides and floods across the country. President of NRNA Shesh Ghale announced that a fund has been set up with his personal contribution of Rs 10 million. NRNA has said interested individuals can contribute to the fund within a week.

Meanwhile, Buddha Air has initiated a fund worth Rs 2.5 million to support the victims of Sunsari and Morang districts.

Nepal Telecom has also announced that all its subscribers will get to use its SMS service for free till Tuesday.