India, also the first responder after the November 3 earthquake, has provided 33 tonnes of emergency relief materials ..reports Asian Lite News
India has sent a third tranche of relief materials to earthquake victims in Nepal as part of continued support to the Himalayan nation at the time of the crisis.
“Acting on the commitment of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the third tranche of over 12 tonnes of earthquake relief support comprising blankets, sleeping bags, tents and essential medical supplies, etc. reached Nepal on November 9, 2023, via a special Indian Air Force (IAF) C-130 flight,” a release from the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu stated.
India, also the first responder after the November 3 earthquake, has provided 33 tonnes of emergency relief materials for the earthquake-affected families in Nepal through three special Indian Air Force flights.
The support included tents and tarpaulin sheets, blankets, sleeping bags, as well as, vital medicines, medical equipment such as surgical equipment, portable ventilators and hygiene supplies to meet the urgent requirements of the earthquake-affected families.
“India’s swift response affirms its commitment to support Nepal as a close friend and neighbour. As Nepal’s foremost development partner, India has been steadfast in its efforts to support the people of Nepal in this difficult time. India will continue to provide support based on the priorities and guidance provided by the Government of Nepal,” the release stated.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Indian Air Force’s C-130 J aircraft carrying over 9 tonnes of relief material departed from India to deliver relief material to Nepalgunj as the ongoing humanitarian relief mission for Nepal continues. The IAF noted that the overall relief material that has been airlifted for Nepal is more than 21 tonnes.
The strong tremor, which even jolted the national capital and parts of north India, left 157 dead and scores injured.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that this rapid response aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Neighbourhood First Policy,” emphasising India’s commitment to supporting its neighbouring nations in times of crisis.
“Providing emergency relief assistance to earthquake-affected areas of Nepal. As a first responder, India delivers medicines and relief material. PM Narendra Modi’s Neighbourhood First policy in action,” EAM Jaishankar posted from his official handle on X.
The first consignment of emergency relief materials worth Rs 10 Crores arrived at Nepalgunj, Nepal, on Sunday, the Indian Embassy in Nepal informed through an official release.
A special Indian Air Force C-130 flight transported the consignment of over 11 tonnes of emergency relief materials, including tents and tarpaulin sheets, blankets, and sleeping bags, as well as essential medicines and medical equipment such as portable ventilators, for the affected people, it said.
The emergency aid package to Nepal reaffirmed India’s commitment to be the first responder in crisis situations in its neighbourhood and beyond. Following the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, New Delhi was the first responder as it carried out its largest disaster relief operation abroad — ‘Operation Maitri’.
India had also extended USD 1 billion to Nepal as part of its long-term assistance for post-earthquake reconstruction in the housing, education, health, and cultural heritage sectors, which included the reconstruction of 50,000 houses in Nepal’s Gorkha and Nuwakot districts, the MEA release said. (ANI)
Though the government started focusing on the relief operation from Sunday, women, children, and the elderly are still facing the threat of the cold….reports Asian Lite News
Kaushila Khadka, who has been living in a relief camp along with her husband after her house was damaged in the earthquake on Friday night, is trying to keep her two-month-old infant warm to protect him from the cold.
“The condition has worsened in comparison to the day after the earthquake. The house where we were staying got damaged and we had to get out. A rented room where we lived hasn’t sustained that damage,” Khadka told ANI.
Khadka has been relying on the blankets given to her by their relatives and cousins as the relief from the authorities has failed to reach her.
“The baby has just turned two months; earlier two days were feeling cold but since last night we got some extra blankets which has helped to keep us warm. Sister brought on some clothes for the baby because of which the cold decreased,” the newborn child’s mother said.
Though the government started focusing on the relief operation from Sunday, women, children, and the elderly are still facing the threat of the cold.
Inadequate distribution of relief materials which focus on the urban areas of the impoverished district has increased fear of health risks to the vulnerable population.
The 2,230 square kilometre district has a population of 1,89, 360. It has a women population of 50.3 per cent while the male population stands at 49.7 per cent as per the census of 2021.
The district also has high mortality of children and elderly people in the latest earthquake which so far has claimed 105 lives.
The epicentre of the November 3 earthquake, Jajarkot so far has recorded damage to 937 houses while the authorities are still conducting surveys to assess the true extent of the damage.
Those displaced now are sheltering under a tarpaulin which has now become a new home for them and for the time being, is shielding them from cold, however, the worst is yet to come.
“Problems are slowly rising, due to the chilling cold we have stomach aches, and we don’t have proper clothes to wear as all our clothes are buried under the rubble. Also, there is no proper bed to sleep on and blankets to use,” Laxmi Giri one of the displaced living in a makeshift relief camp told ANI.
The elder sister who has to look after her elderly parents and younger siblings is worried about the upcoming days as her house was flattened and her old parents are prone to the impact of the cold.
“Obviously there is a feeling of fear as we don’t have any house to live in but aunt’s house has given us some hope,” Giri added.
In relief camps set in open places across the district, covered only by sheets of tarpaulin with temperatures 10 degrees Celsius and below at nighttime, the displaced scramble together in the camp to keep warm and surround the elderly and those prone to the cold in order to shield them.
Hari Bahadur Basnet, President of Nepal Red Cross Society, Jajarkot Branch told ANI, said, “Now the elderly, children and pregnant-post-partum women have big problems. During the ongoing relief operation blankets and tarpaulins have been given utmost preference in distribution to protect them from cold. But many of the families have permanently lost their residence and their clothes buried beneath the rubble. In that case, they should be provided with warm clothes and nutritious food. We have seen some children, elderly and post-partum women not having sufficient food to eat. So the relief operation should focus firstly on protecting them and the focus should be shifted to warm clothes.” (By Binod Prasad Adhikari/ANI)
Dalai Lama Writes to Nepal PM Condoling Deaths
Buddhist spiritual leader Dalai Lama has written to the Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, to express his sadness at the devastating earthquake that recently struck western Nepal leading to the loss of 157 human lives and many injuries, the office of the Dalai Lama said in a statement.
“I offer my condolences to the families of those who have lost loved ones,” he wrote, adding, “and pray for all those affected by this tragedy.”
“I understand that everything is being done by your government, as well as related agencies, to provide necessary help and support to the people affected by this calamity,” said Dalai Lama.
“As a token of my solidarity with the people of Nepal, I hope to be able to make a donation towards the rescue and relief efforts,” he added.
The epicentre of the November 3 earthquake, Jajarkot so far has recorded damage to 937 houses while the authorities are still conducting surveys to assess the true extent of the damage.
Those displaced now are sheltering under a tarpaulin which has now become a new home for them and for the time being, is shielding them from cold, however, the worst is yet to come.
India on Sunday sent an emergency aid package, comprising medical equipment, relief materials and more, for people affected by the magnitude 6.4 earthquake in Nepal.
The strong temblor, which even jolted the national capital and parts of north India, left 157 dead and scores injured.
Serving as the first responder, India shipped essential medicines and relief materials to assist the earthquake-affected communities.
This rapid response aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Neighbourhood First Policy,” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, emphasising India’s commitment to supporting its neighbouring nations in times of crisis.
“Providing emergency relief assistance to earthquake-affected areas of Nepal. As a first responder, India delivers medicines and relief material. PM Narendra Modi’s Neighbourhood First policy in action,” EAM Jaishankar posted from his official handle on X. (ANI)
As a close friend and neighbour, India remains committed to extending all possible support to those affected by the earthquake in Nepal, the MEA added…reports Asian Lite News
A second flight carrying nine tonnes of emergency relief assistance sent by India has landed in Nepal.
Continuing its dedication to ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’, India has dispatched a second relief flight. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s steadfast support to Nepal in this difficult hour.
“Second flight carrying 9 tonnes worth of emergency relief assistance lands in Nepal. India’s support to Nepal remains strong and steadfast in this difficult hour,” Jaishankar posted on X.
In a demonstration of solidarity and cooperation, India has sent a second relief flight to Nepal. This timely assistance aims to aid Nepal during a challenging period.
The second consignment of emergency relief materials for earthquake-affected families in Nepal was handed over by the Deputy Chief of Mission, Prasanna Shrivastava on behalf of the Government of India to the Chief District Officer of Banke Shravan Kumar Pokhrel in presence of Nepalgunj Mayor Prashant Bista, Indian Embassy in Nepal said in a statement.
The consignment of 9 tonnes of relief material was transported to Nepalgunj by a special Indian Air Force C-130 and comprised essential medical and hygiene supplies, tents, sleeping bags and blankets, the statement added.
A day ago, India sent its first emergency aid package for Nepal, comprising medical equipment, relief materials and more, for people affected by the magnitude 6.4 earthquake in Nepal.
The strong temblor, which even jolted the national capital and parts of north India, left 157 dead and scores injured.
Serving as the first responder, India shipped essential medicines and relief materials to assist the earthquake-affected communities.
This rapid response aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Neighbourhood First Policy,” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, emphasising India’s commitment to supporting its neighbouring nations in times of crisis.
“Providing emergency relief assistance to earthquake-affected areas of Nepal. As a first responder, India delivers medicines and relief material. PM Narendra Modi’s Neighbourhood First policy in action,” EAM Jaishankar posted from his official handle on X.
The first consignment of Rs 10 crore worth of emergency relief materials arrived at Nepalgunj, Nepal, on Sunday, the Indian Embassy in Nepal informed through an official release.
A special Indian Air Force C-130 flight transported the consignment of over 11 tonnes of emergency relief materials, including tents and tarpaulin sheets, blankets, and sleeping bags, as well as essential medicines and medical equipment such as portable ventilators, for the affected people, it said.
As a close friend and neighbour, India remains committed to extending all possible support to those affected by the earthquake in Nepal, the MEA added.
The emergency aid package to Nepal reaffirmed India’s commitment to be the first responder in crisis situations in its neighbourhood and beyond. Following the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, New Delhi was the first responder as it carried out its largest disaster relief operation abroad — ‘Operation Maitri’.
India had also extended USD 1 billion to Nepal as part of its long-term assistance for post-earthquake reconstruction in the housing, education, health, and cultural heritage sectors, which included the reconstruction of 50,000 houses in Nepal’s Gorkha and Nuwakot districts, the MEA release said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences for the lives lost and the extensive damage caused by the earthquake in Nepal. He reaffirmed India’s willingness to extend all possible assistance to Nepal in the aftermath of this natural disaster. (ANI)
Bajhang, Oct 03 (ANI): A portion of the building gets collapsed after 6.2 magnitude earthquake strikes Nepal, in Bajhang on Tuesday. (ANI Photo)
Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha announced the completion of the search and rescue operation, with the focus shifting towards relief operations…reports Asian Lite News
The Nepal government completed the search and rescue operation on Sunday after a strong earthquake on Friday rattled nine districts, killing over 150 people and damaging infrastructure.
During a visit to the earthquake-affected district, Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha announced the completion of the search and rescue operation, with the focus shifting towards relief operations.
“No one is missing in the search and rescue operation.We have provided proper treatment to all the injured. From today, our focus will shift to those who have lost their homes, whether they are permanently damaged or cracked. We must provide them with tarpaulin, mattresses, blankets, and food,” Shrestha told ANI after holding discussions with concerned officials at Jajarkot.
“From today on, we enter the phase of relief efforts; relief materials are being distributed, and the District Disaster Management Committee, through the local representatives, will distribute the relief materials,” he added.
Shrestha mentioned that reconstruction and rehabilitation would follow the relief distribution. The November 3 earthquake, whose magnitude was 6.4 on the Richter Scale, stands second after the 2015 earthquake that claimed nearly 10,000 lives and damaged properties worth billions.
Despite spending eight years, Nepal has yet to build itself back to the pre-earthquake phase.
Looking at the past, hopes are fading for the victims of the recent earthquake that they would get a new home with government support anytime soon.
While the government has announced relief provisions for the families of the deceased, it currently lacks detailed plans for reconstruction. The opposition has called on the government to expedite preparations for rehabilitation and reconstruction in the affected districts and intends to raise the issue in the federal parliament.
“We will raise the issue from all sides to rebuild the damages that have been incurred. We will certainly put pressure on the government on the issue. As the aid has continued to pour in various forms, this would certainly help in reconstruction works,” Basudev Ghimire, a Member of Parliament from the opposition CPN-UML told ANI.
The council of ministers, meeting in the capital, Kathmandu, has decided to provide immediate shelter, food, and safety to displaced families and offer $1,500 to the families of those killed in the earthquake as immediate relief.
“Jajarkot, the epicenter of the earthquake, has suffered the highest number of casualties, with 105 people killed. Traditional houses in the area now lie in ruins and rubble. The earthquake, which struck just before midnight, mainly claimed the lives of children and the elderly,”Harish Chandra Sharma, Administrative Officer of Jajarkot told.
“Rescue operations, including helicopter mobilization, were carried out in some remote areas. As of the latest data, 105 people lost their lives, and 115 people were injured, with many of them already recovering and critically injured individuals receiving treatment in well-equipped hospitals in Nepalgunj and Surkhet,” he added.
On Sunday evening, at nightfall, the locals of Khalanga spread the tarpaulin far and wide to protect themselves from the dew and chilling cold.
The November 3 earthquake which rattled the impoverished hilly district of Jajarkot has damaged 937 houses, while about three thousand have sustained damages, yet to be labelled safe to stay or not.
Displaced residents are using tarpaulins as temporary shelter, providing protection from the chilling cold but the worst is yet to come. (By Binod Prasad Adhikari/ANI)
As a close friend and neighbour, India remains committed to extending all possible support to those affected by the earthquake in Nepal, the MEA added…reports Asian Lite News
India on Sunday sent an emergency aid package, comprising medical equipment, relief materials and more, for people affected by the magnitude 6.4 earthquake in Nepal.
The strong temblor, which even jolted the national capital and parts of north India, left 157 dead and scores injured.
Serving as the first responder, India shipped essential medicines and relief materials to assist the earthquake-affected communities.
This rapid response aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Neighbourhood First Policy,” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, emphasising India’s commitment to supporting its neighbouring nations in times of crisis.
“Providing emergency relief assistance to earthquake-affected areas of Nepal. As a first responder, India delivers medicines and relief material. PM Narendra Modi’s Neighbourhood First policy in action,” EAM Jaishankar posted from his official handle on X.
The first consignment of Rs 10 crore worth of emergency relief materials arrived at Nepalgunj, Nepal, on Sunday, the Indian Embassy in Nepal informed through an official release.
A special Indian Air Force C-130 flight transported the consignment of over 11 tonnes of emergency relief materials, including tents and tarpaulin sheets, blankets, and sleeping bags, as well as essential medicines and medical equipment such as portable ventilators, for the affected people, it said.
The relief materials were handed over by the Ambassador of India to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, on behalf of the Indian government to Nepal’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Purna Bahadur Khadka, in the presence of Chief Minister of Karnali, Raj Kumar Sharma.
Further consignments of relief materials from India are expected to arrive in the erstwhile Himalayan kingdom in the coming days.
As a close friend and neighbour, India remains committed to extending all possible support to those affected by the earthquake in Nepal, the MEA added.
The emergency aid package to Nepal reaffirmed India’s commitment to be the first responder in crisis situations in its neighbourhood and beyond. Following the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, New Delhi was the first responder as it carried out its largest disaster relief operation abroad — ‘Operation Maitri’.
India had also extended USD 1 billion to Nepal as part of its long-term assistance for post-earthquake reconstruction in the housing, education, health, and cultural heritage sectors, which included the reconstruction of 50,000 houses in Nepal’s Gorkha and Nuwakot districts, the MEA release said.
Meanwhile, Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with the Armed Police Force and UNICEF, dispatched critical relief supplies to Jajarkot and Rukum West in Nepal. The relief materials include 6,263 tarps, 1,250 tents, 300 blankets, and 2,050 sleeping bags, all aimed at providing essential shelter and comfort to the affected families.
Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha, along with a team of ministers and lawmakers, took the lead in delivering these relief supplies to the affected areas. The team comprises Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport Prakash Jwala, Health Minister Mohan Bahadur Basnet, Energy Minister Shakti Basnet, and MP Janardan Sharma, among others.
Nepal’s Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also emphasised the importance of relief and rescue efforts in the affected regions. He noted that while relief and rescue operations have been conducted in a certain manner thus far, further intensified efforts are in the pipeline. In a significant decision, the Cabinet has decided to adopt a new approach, including the construction of earthquake relief homes, for resettlement in the affected areas. This approach will prioritise the pre-positioning of disaster relief materials in all districts, according to the Nepal PMO.
Even as the search and rescue operation for the Nepal earthquake ends, the focus has shifted to mobilising aid to those affected by the disaster. Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha highlighted the importance of extending assistance to those affected by the earthquake.
“The search and rescue operation for the Nepal earthquake is over,” Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha told ANI.
This earthquake not only impacted Nepal but also sent tremors across several districts of North India, including Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences for the lives lost and the extensive damage caused by the earthquake in Nepal. He reaffirmed India’s willingness to extend all possible assistance to Nepal in the aftermath of this natural disaster.
The Director of the National Center for Seismology (NCS), OP Mishra, underlined on Saturday how the building structures contributed to exacerbating the damage from the earthquake.
He emphasised that while the intensity in Nepal was significant, the magnitude of 6.4 was a measure of its energy content, and it is the structures that determine the extent of damage and loss during such events. (ANI)
The government has mobilised the Nepal Army, Nepali Sentinel, and the Armed Police Force to conduct rescue operations via helicopters…reports Asian Lite News
In the wake of a catastrophic earthquake in Nepal, the nation grapples with the aftermath as the death toll climbs to 157. Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, assessed the situation while the government rushed to provide relief, the Nepal PM Secretariat said.
Nepal’s Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, on Saturday visited the affected regions, acknowledging the extensive damage. In response, the government has mobilised the Nepal Army, Nepali Sentinel, and the Armed Police Force to conduct rescue operations via helicopters.
Health workers are also being rapidly deployed, equipped with essential medical supplies sourced from surrounding districts.
Houses were reduced to rubble after the 6.4-magnitude earthquake hit Nepal, in Bheri, Jajarkot. (ANI Photo)
“There has been a lot of damage in the earthquake-affected area. Hundreds of people are injured, thousands of houses have been destroyed, and our government is engaged in relief work. We have deployed the Nepali Army, Nepali Sentinel. The Armed Police Force has been given the responsibility of taking all the injured to the hospitals for rescue through helicopters,” said the Nepal PM.
Prime Minister Dahal has conveyed the government’s dedication to relief efforts, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. “Health workers are also reaching the spot by taking health equipment from the surrounding districts through helicopters. We have also rescued our own injured with our helicopters. Our government is doing the work that should be done for today and tomorrow. Tomorrow we have called a Cabinet meeting along with a meeting of the Disaster Management Committee,” he added.
The scale of injuries has overwhelmed the region, with a continuous queue of ambulances outside Bheri Hospital in the nearby district of Nepalganj, where injured individuals are being admitted every few seconds.
The visuals from Surkhet Province Hospital showed dedicated healthcare professionals offering treatment to those affected by the earthquake.
“We have 26 victims here. There are injuries like – head injuries, abdominal injuries, chest injuries, and leg injuries…We have manpower also… We are prepared. We are ready. The judgment team is very active…,” the Public Health Inspector of Surkhet Province Hospital told ANI.
Efforts are also underway to provide medical assistance, with security personnel actively involved in transporting the injured to the TV Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu.
Meanwhile, Nepal Home Ministry’s spokesman, Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, said that a meeting was convened in Kathmandu by the Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister to address the crisis.
“Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister held a meeting in Kathmandu over the earthquake that hit the country. A few decisions were taken in the meeting. Decisions were also made to resume the electricity supply and communication system. Nepal Telecom has been ordered to make its services free for the coming 5 days in the affected areas,” he said.
OP Mishra, the Director of the National Center for Seismology (NCS), emphasised the critical role that building structures played in the severity of the earthquake’s impact.
“The intensity in Nepal was very strong, but when it came to Delhi it was reduced. Intensity is the degree of sitting, but magnitude 6.4 is the content of energy. Earthquakes do not kill people; it is the structure that kills people,” Mishra told ANI.
Government officials have been directed to deploy ambulances near the helipad of Nepalgunj Airport and military barracks to ensure swift medical assistance to those in need.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extensive damage caused by the earthquake in Nepal. PM Modi offered support to Nepal and expressed India’s willingness to extend all possible assistance.
Gurukul School Of Art Students make paintings and pay tribute to victims who lost their lives in the Nepal Earthquake, in Mumbai. (ANI Photo)
The earthquake’s impact has not been confined to Nepal alone. Tremors were felt in several districts of North India, including Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. (ANI)
PM Modi’s statement comes after 128 people died and at least 141 people were injured after a strong earthquake of 6.4 magnitude jolted Nepal in the late hours of Friday,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that he is “deeply saddened” by the loss of lives and damage caused by the earthquake in Nepal. PM Modi offered support to Nepal and expressed India’s willingness to extend all possible assistance.
Taking to X, PM Modi stated, “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives and damage due to the earthquake in Nepal. India stands in solidarity with the people of Nepal and is ready to extend all possible assistance. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families and we wish the injured a quick recovery.”
PM Modi’s statement comes after 128 people died and at least 141 people were injured after a strong earthquake of 6.4 magnitude jolted Nepal in the late hours of Friday, The Kathmandu Post reported. Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has left for earthquake-affected areas.
As per reports at 3 am (local time) on Saturday, Jajarkot and West Rukum have suffered the most damage, with 92 deaths just reported in Jajarkot, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police of Jajarkot district Santosh Roka, The Kathmandu Post reported. The victims include Nalgad Municipality Deputy Mayor Sarita Singh, Roka said.
As many as 44 people have died and 70 others have been injured in the district’s Ramidanda of the Barekot Rural Municipality, according to the Karnali Province Police, according to The Kathmandu Post report.
Deeply saddened by loss of lives and damage due to the earthquake in Nepal. India stands in solidarity with the people of Nepal and is ready to extend all possible assistance. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families and we wish the injured a quick recovery. @cmprachanda
More than 55 people have been injured in Jajarkot. Of them, five have been taken to the Karnali Province Hospital in Surkhet while the others have been undergoing treatment at various medical institutes in the district.
Meanwhile, the death toll in West Rukum has reached 36, Deputy Superintendent of Police of West Rukum district Namaraj Bhattarai said citing preliminary data, according to The Kathmandu Post report. As many as 36 people were reported dead in Aathbiskot Municipality and eight others died in Sanibheri Rural Municipality.
The number of those injured in West Rukum has reached 85. Preparations are being made to air evacuate one person, who has sustained serious injuries, while the others are receiving treatment at the district hospital, Chaurjahari Hospital, and other health clinics.
Bheri, Nalgad, Kushe, Barekot and Chedagad have been severely hit by the earthquake in Jajarkot district. Chief District Officer Suresh Sunar said all the security forces in the district have been mobilised in the search and rescue work.
Bheri Hospital, Kohalpur Medical College, Nepalgunj Military Hospital and Police Hospital have been made dedicated hospitals. All the heli operators of Nepal have been asked to be on standby and instructions have been given to cancel regular flights and evacuate the injured from earthquake-affected areas to other regions.
Officials have been asked to deploy ambulances at all times near the helipad of Nepalgunj Airport and military barracks.
Earlier, Dahal expressed grief over the human and material damage caused by the earthquake and said he has mobilised three security agencies for the immediate rescue and relief of the injured.
Taking to X, the Nepal Prime Minister’s Office stated, “Honorable Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” has expressed his deep sorrow over the human and material damage caused by the earthquake at Ramidanda in Jajarkot at 11:47 on Friday night and has mobilized all 3 security agencies for the immediate rescue and relief of the injured.”
According to the National Centre for Seismology, the magnitude of the earthquake on the Richter Scale was recorded at 6.4 and the epicentre of the quake was in Nepal at a depth of 10 km. The tremors of the earthquake were also felt in several districts of North India including Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. (ANI)
The first day eventually ended with a heritage walk along Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Lalitpur….reports Asian Lite News
United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, met Nepali politicians and ministers on the first day of his visit on Sunday. The first day eventually ended with a heritage walk along Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Lalitpur.
“I see that it is important for Nepali people to understand that a country that has this tradition, this culture, and these monuments is a country that is spiritual. Based on these rules, which are wonderful culture and well-known architecture, I am seeing Nepal–the peace process being completed and graduation to not be the least developed country–have a future for the upcoming generation,” said the Secretary-General after touring the ancient palace built before the unification of modern Nepal.
Though devastated by the earthquake of April 2015, Patan Dubar Square has stood back quickly in comparison to other heritage sites in Nepal. The visiting Secretary General congratulated the authorities for being able to restore the temples and monuments as he stood next to the Mayor of Lalitpur, Chiribabu Maharjan.
“I want to congratulate you on the way you restored this complex after the earthquake. This restoration is a masterpiece in itself. Temples are masterpieces; the efforts that have been made to stand up are another masterpiece,” applauded Guterres.
The Secretary-General arrived in Kathmandu in the early hours of Sunday at the invitation of Nepali Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. After hours of rest, the UNSG (United Nations Secretary-General) called on Nepali Foreign Minister Narayan Prakash Saud and Defence Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka at their offices.
The Secretary-General then called on Nepali Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, aka Prachanda, at his office to hold a joint Press conference where he condemned the attacks on Gaza by Israel and hostage situation by Hamas. He called on all the parties to end the ongoing escalation, which, as per him, has invited a humanitarian catastrophe.
“These are difficult and tense times. I know that even though the conflict in the Middle East is thousands of miles away, it has hit very close to home for the people of Nepal. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the ten Nepali students killed in the terror attacks by Hamas in Israel on October 7 and my best wishes for the safe return of Bipin Joshi, who is missing,” Guterres said
Reiterating calls for ceasefire and peace in the region, the chief of the world body called on all parties to sit at the table and end the ongoing crisis.
“I have just arrived here from Qatar and will continue to insist on the immediate and unconditional release of all the hostages in Gaza. I repeat my utter condemnation of the appalling attacks perpetrated by Hamas. There is no justification, ever, for the killing, injuring, and abduction of civilians. The situation in Gaza is growing more desperate by the hour. I regret that instead of a critically needed humanitarian pause, supported by the international community, Israel has intensified its military operations. The number of civilians who have been killed and injured is totally unacceptable. All parties must respect their obligations under International Humanitarian Law,” Guterres stressed.
Warning that the world is on the brink of collapse, he called on the warring sides for a ceasefire.
Soon after the media briefing, Guterres held a separate meeting with former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, who is also the President of the Nepali Congress and the chairman of the main opposition CPN-Unified Marxist Leninists, KP Sharma Oli.
Later in the evening, the visiting chief of the United Nations called on Nepali President Ram Chandra Paudel. (By Binod Prasad Adhikari/ANI)
Prachanda Seeks UN Role in Nepal Peace Process
Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, widely known as ‘Prachanda,’ met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during the latter’s four-day visit to Kathmandu. Prachanda sought the UN’s role in concluding Nepal’s peace and transitional justice process, a move likely to spark discussions within the country’s political spheres.
Guterres assured the UN’s assistance but outlined specific conditions. He emphasised that the process must align with international standards, comply with Nepal Supreme Court rulings, and address the fundamental needs of victims from the decade-long conflict involving Maoists, which claimed the lives of 17,000 people.
Guterres’ conditions followed Prachanda’s efforts both domestically and internationally to secure a general amnesty for himself and Maoist combatants for human rights violations. A draft bill advocating blanket amnesty was rejected by a House committee about six weeks ago.
Guterres will address the Joint Session of the Federal Parliament on October 31, 2023, as well as have first-hand observation of the impacts of climate change on Nepal and meet affected communities as he travels the Himalayan nation.
Will Pokhara Int'l Airport be another Hambantota? India maintains watch
The development of Nepal’s Pokhara airport, primarily financed and carried out by Chinese firms, has prompted apprehensions regarding the construction quality, oversight integrity, and the financial liability imposed on Nepal…..reports Asian Lite News
Nepal’s newly inaugurated Pokhara International Airport built with Chinese help has come under scrutiny and a foreign policy expert called for stern government actions before it turns out to be Nepal’s Hambantota.
Former foreign relations advisor to Nepal’s former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, Arun Kumar Subedi called on the government to take stern action after an investigative piece by the New York Times exposed the wrongdoings and flaws at the time of construction of the much-hyped airport.
In an interview with ANI, Arun Kumar Subedi said, “Up to now the conditions are analogous, more or less same. Let’s pray, our government will take firm action not to make it Hambantota of Nepal,” while comparing the situation that with Sri Lanka.
The construction of Nepal’s Pokhara airport, primarily funded and executed by Chinese companies, has raised concerns about the quality of work, the manipulation of oversight, and the burden of debt on Nepal.
Additionally, the airport’s association with China’s Belt and Road Initiative has ignited diplomatic tensions with India, making it challenging for the airport to attract international flights.
The Pokhara airport serves as a stark example of the pitfalls associated with importing China’s infrastructure development model, highlighting concerns about financial sustainability and transparency, all while fueling geopolitical rivalries in the region.
Hambantota International Port Group is a Public Private Partnership and a Strategic Development Project between the Government of Sri Lanka and China Merchants Port Holdings (CMPort). This port was given to China by Sri Lanka on a 99-year lease after Sri Lanka failed to repay Chinese loans. It is seen as a case of Chinese “debt trap” Diplomacy.
The Pokhara International Airport has since its opening earlier this year not seen any frequent International flights except for the chartered Chinese flights which appear on rare occasions.
Dubbed a “dream come true” for locals of Pokhara, the tourist destination of Nepal, the Pokhara International Airport upon its completion, has been claimed to be part of China’s grand ambitions, aligning with President Xi Jinping’s signature infrastructure campaign, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Days before the formal inauguration of the airport, the Chinese Ambassador claimed it to be part of BRI which was rejected by the Nepal Government. Soon after the handover, the Pokhara Airport exemplified the perils that came with importing China’s infrastructure-at-any-cost development model, disproportionately benefiting Chinese firms at the expense of the borrowing nation.
China CAMC Engineering, the construction division of state-owned conglomerate Sinomach, played a pivotal role in the Pokhara airport project. It imported building materials and machinery from China, and the airport itself was brimming with Chinese-made security and industrial technology. Despite China’s claims about the project’s quality, an investigation by The New York Times revealed an unsettling narrative.
Multiple individuals involved in the project and a thorough examination of thousands of documents indicated that China CAMC Engineering had consistently dictated terms to maximize profits and protect its interests.
Simultaneously, it systematically dismantled Nepali oversight. As a consequence, Nepal found itself entangled in significant debt to Chinese creditors without the expected influx of passengers to repay the loans.
“The International community basically the multilateral agencies which are our developmental partners are eyeing this particular project (Pokhara International Airport). Outcomes of the project are not welcomed by our development partners as well as analysts and economic experts as well. The impact of this particular airport in the international community related to Nepal is not positive,” claimed Subedi, further adding, “In one word, it’s ‘odyssey for nothing’ at present.”
The Himalayan nation’s finance ministry had earlier signed a memorandum of understanding supporting CAMC’s proposal in 2011, even before an official bidding process had started. The Chinese loan agreement exclusively allowed Chinese firms to bid for the project.
CAMC initially submitted a bid for USD 305 million, nearly double Nepal’s cost estimate for the airport. This drew criticism from Nepali politicians, who accused the process of being rigged and the price inflated. Following the outcry, CAMC lowered its bid to USD 216 million, reducing the cost by approximately 30 per cent.
In 2016, China and Nepal formalised a 20-year agreement for the project, with a quarter of the funding provided as an interest-free loan. Nepal intended to borrow the remainder from China’s Export-Import Bank at a 2 per cent interest rate, with repayment scheduled to begin in 2026.
As construction progressed, glaring issues came to light. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal was responsible for overseeing the Chinese contractor, but the lack of experienced personnel, combined with the inadequate allocation of funds for consultants, hampered the project.
Initially earmarked at USD 2.8 million, the budget for hiring consultants was to ensure CAMC’s compliance with international construction standards, however, it was reduced to a mere USD 10,000, diverting funds elsewhere.
This lack of oversight allowed CAMC to initiate work before consultants were in place and perform construction work that did not meet international standards.
Key components, such as soil density tests for the runway’s foundation, were omitted, jeopardising the runway’s future stability.
Other oversights included the airport’s drainage system design, ignoring historical rainfall data and sloping topography, increasing the risk of flooding.
The quality of Chinese-made building materials and the identity of vendors were inadequately documented, contravening the terms of CAMC’s contract with Nepal, as reported by The New York Times.
While consulting efforts were expected to oversee CAMC’s work, the Chinese company managed to sidestep consultants and interact directly with Nepali officials who had limited construction experience. Any efforts to seek additional information or documentation were often fruitless.
China’s Export-Import Bank had commissioned China IPPR International Engineering, a consulting firm, to ensure the project’s quality, safety, and schedule and to confirm Nepal’s satisfaction with CAMC’s work.
However, the situation grew murkier in 2019 when CAMC acquired IPPR, turning it from a sister company into a direct subsidiary. IPPR’s fees came from Nepal as part of its loan from the Chinese bank.
Chinese engineers working on the project claimed that they were instructed not to scrutinise CAMC’s work closely, with a focus on delivering an airport rather than a “chicken farm.”
Furthermore, allegations surfaced that documents related to the qualifications of IPPR’s workers in Pokhara had been falsified. In some cases, even employee credentials were manipulated. Such practices revealed a disconcerting disregard for transparency and accountability.
“The project was selected emotionally rather than economic and financial parameters. So even the Chinese airlines are reluctant to operate the regular flight in that particular airport,” Subedi claimed further.
As Pokhara airport struggled to attract international flights, especially from Indian airlines, Nepal’s aspirations for the airport were put in jeopardy.
Buddha Air, Nepal’s largest airline, had requested permits for flights to India but awaited approval from the Indian government.
A feasibility study commissioned by CAMC had projected passenger numbers that would enable the airport to repay its loans from profits, but as of now, no international flights have commenced.
Nepali officials have reportedly requested that China convert the loan into a grant due to the airport’s financial challenges, a matter discussed during Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s visit to Beijing in late September. The joint statement issued by China and Nepal during the visit acknowledged the completion and operation of the Pokhara airport but did not mention plans to waive the loan.
“The best way to get off this trap is to monetize the assets and whatever the sum comes from the asset monetization, be kept under viability of debt funding and all the loan (amount) that remains can be paid in a single shot. Otherwise, even if it is an interest-free loan it would be a big debt trap because the country has to pay at least five per cent for the exchange rate fluctuation. So even in zero per cent interest, the overall impact will be at least five per cent,” suggested Subedi. (ANI)
Social ties hit in Bihar border districts due to India, Nepal tensions .
Indian authorities has issued directives to internal security agencies to closely monitor the movements of Nepali individuals arriving in Major Indian Cities…reports Asian Lite News
India’s external intelligence agency, known as Research & Analysis Wing (R&AW) or the Special Bureau, recently raised concerns by sharing crucial intelligence about Chinese activities within India.
This information was further substantiated during a security review meeting by the Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO), FPJ reported.
R&AW has issued directives to internal security agencies to closely monitor the movements of Nepali individuals arriving in Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur.
According to FPJ reports, this directive stems from specific intelligence provided by R&AW sources in China, revealing that Chinese agents have devised new covert strategies to enter India without detection.
These agents are discreetly adopting new identities by acquiring Nepali passports with the assistance of private agencies and local Nepalese passport offices. With these covert profiles, they travel from Nepal to India, holding Nepali passports.
Once in cities like Mumbai or Pune, they often choose to settle in Pune and seamlessly integrate into local communities, including joining ashrams. It is from these bases that they initiate their covert operations against India.
