KATHMANDU, AUGUST 26 Prime Minister Balendra Shah has said saving the injured, searching for missing people and ensuring the safety of those affected are the government's top priorities following the devastating flash floods in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers on Wednesday. In a message to the public, Shah said the entire state machinery had been mobilised for rescue, search and relief operations after the floods caused extensive loss of life and property. According to the prime minister, 95 people have so far been killed in the disaster. He expressed condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those injured and receiving treatment. Shah said the government immediately activated its disaster-response mechanisms after receiving reports of the flooding. Emergency meetings of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, National Security Council and Council of Ministers were held, followed by the deployment of the Nepali Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police to affected areas. He said 100 beds had been allocated at Bir Hospital and the National Trauma Centre in Kathmandu for free treatment of flood victims, while other major hospitals in the capital had been kept on standby. Medical teams have also been deployed to affected areas to provide rescue support and emergency treatment.

Rescue and medical teams from Nepal Scouts, the World Health Organisation and other organisations have also been mobilised. Coordination has been established with the Nepal Red Cross Society, Blood Transfusion Centre, provincial health ministries, Lions Club and Nepal Scouts to ensure adequate supplies of medicines, blood and emergency health services. The government is continuing to collect details of casualties, missing people, injuries and damage in coordination with affected local governments and federal lawmakers. Shah said search and rescue operations would continue through the night. According to Shah, Bidur in Nuwakot; Uttargaya and Gosaikunda in Rasuwa; Gajuri, Galchhi, Benighat, Tripurasundari and Siddhalek in Dhading; and Shahid Lakhan and Gandaki Rural Municipality in Gorkha have been among the worst-affected areas. He said food, drinking water, medicines and temporary shelters would be provided promptly to affected communities. The government would also accelerate efforts to restore damaged roads, bridges, electricity systems and drinking-water projects, while prioritising the rehabilitation of displaced people. 'Entire state machinery and resources are working for you,' Shah said, assuring affected people that the government would take responsibility for their rescue, treatment, food and shelter. The prime minister appealed to political parties, social organisations, industrialists, youth volunteers and the general public to remain united and support ongoing rescue and relief efforts.