KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Balendra Shah informed the House of Representatives on Wednesday that more than Rs 7.008 billion has been deposited into the Prime Minister’s Natural Disaster Relief Fund following recent flood disasters across the country.

Addressing a parliamentary session on Wednesday, Aug. 17, the Prime Minister shared official details regarding the available balance in the relief fund and the budget disbursements made so far for disaster management and response efforts in affected regions.

Prime Minister Shah stated that the government has already released Rs 1 billion to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority to ensure effective disaster management and immediate relief operations. He explained that from the total Rs 1 billion provided to the authority, Rs 67.5 million has been disbursed to 15 local levels so far. He noted that sending funds directly to local governments in disaster-affected areas aims to accelerate relief, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts on the ground.

The Prime Minister reiterated the government’s firm commitment to protecting citizens’ lives and property during this crisis by utilizing available state resources and capabilities to the maximum extent.

The relief updates come as search and rescue operations continue under challenging conditions following a devastating flood in the Bhote Koshi region of Rasuwa on Aug. 10. The disaster has claimed 1,050 lives, while 3,916 people remain missing. Disrupted road networks have left remote settlements isolated without relief, prompting frustration among victims who complained that government presence has remained limited mostly to aerial operations.