HETAUDA, AUGUST 29 With more than 40 bridges destroyed by the Bhotekoshi flood and other disaster impacts, the Bagmati provincial government has shifted its focus towards restoring connectivity alongside rescue, treatment and relief operations in the affected districts. The province has begun feasibility studies and expedited construction of Bailey bridges, suspension bridges and temporary crossings at possible locations, while work is also being accelerated to operate an alternative route to Dhunche through Chhahare, Bahunbeshi, Naukunda and Sarmathali after the Pasang Lhamu Highway was disrupted. The provincial government has also arranged free bus services for stranded passengers, including services from Dhunche to Mahabir, Chaugate to Kathmandu and Bidur to Kathmandu, according to Physical Infrastructure Development Minister Bharat KC, the provincial government spokesperson. The response follows the severe flooding in the Bhotekoshi River on August 26 that affected Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Chitwan. An emergency meeting of the Provincial Disaster Management Executive Committee held the same day approved Rs 30 million for rescue and relief. Of the amount, Rs 10 million each was allocated to Rasuwa and Nuwakot, and Rs 5 million each to Dhading and Chitwan, according to the provincial government.

Chief Minister Kiran Thapa, ministers, senior government officials, security personnel and health workers have been deployed to the affected areas. In Bidur, authorities have established four temporary shelters and food arrangements for displaced residents and set up four health camps to provide continuing treatment to the injured. The provincial government has also decided to provide Rs 25,000 for the final rites of each person killed in the disaster. Five sector-specific task forces covering transport, infrastructure, health, relief materials and air rescue have been formed to coordinate the response. Relief supplies, including 280 tarpaulins, 50 tents and other non-food items, have been sent from the Hetauda warehouse to the Army Training Centre in Bidur. Fuel supplies have also been arranged in Dhunche, with 400 litres of diesel and 200 litres of petrol provided. Officials have been instructed to remain at their workplaces even on public holidays and continue relief operations. Minister KC said all-party meetings held in Rasuwa and Nuwakot under Chief Minister Thapa's leadership had further intensified the response. The provincial government has also appealed for contributions to the Chief Minister Disaster Management and Relief Fund for relief and reconstruction efforts.