In Brief:

• Cabinet declares disaster-hit areas for three months under Section 32 of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, 2074
• Tribute paid to victims, condolences to bereaved families
• Free treatment arranged for injured; hospitals mobilised
• Army, police, helicopters authorised for rescue and relocation
• Food and accommodation to be provided for displaced families
• Infrastructure ministry tasked with restoring roads, water supply
• Financial assistance pledged to families of victims
• Finance Ministry coordinating resources for rebuilding

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 26 The government has declared local levels affected by the Bhote Koshi River flood disaster-hit areas for three months, authorising immediate measures for rescue, treatment and rehabilitation. A Cabinet meeting held at Singha Durbar on Wednesday paid tribute to those killed in the flooding and expressed condolences to bereaved families. Government spokesperson and Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel said arrangements would be made for free treatment of those injured. The Home and Defence ministries have been directed to immediately rescue injured and affected people and relocate those at risk to safer areas. The Home Ministry has also been authorised to mobilise the Nepali Army, private helicopters and other resources for rescue operations. The Home Ministry, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority and local disaster committees have been tasked with arranging food and accommodation for flood-affected people. The Ministry of Infrastructure Development has been directed to restore damaged roads and ensure drinking water supply in affected areas. The government will provide financial assistance to families who lost members, in accordance with existing law. The Finance Minister has been assigned to coordinate mobilisation of resources for the restoration of damaged public and physical infrastructure. The disaster-hit declaration was made under Section 32 of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, 2074.