KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 8
Ncell has extended free voice, data and SMS services in areas affected by the Bhotekoshi River floods in Rasuwa for another seven days, from September 5 to 11.
The telecom operator initially introduced the free services for three days following the floods on August 26 and later extended them until September 4.
Ncell said 92 per cent of its network sites affected by the floods had been restored and that work was continuing to bring the remaining sites back into operation.
Of the 27 Ncell sites affected by the floods, 25 have been restored. One site at Ghatte Khola in Timure, Rasuwa, was completely destroyed, while the company is coordinating the transport of equipment by helicopter to restore another site at Tiru in Uttargaya, Rasuwa.
Ncell Chief Consumer Business Officer Upanga Dutta said uninterrupted communication was important for affected communities and rescue and relief teams.
The company said free services were helping affected people remain in contact with their families and supporting coordination among teams involved in search, rescue and relief operations.
Through the Ncell Foundation, the company also contributed Rs 10 million to the Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund on August 27 for search, rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Ncell said it had also been disseminating information issued by government authorities through SMS, call tones and its social media platforms.