The government has earmarked around Rs 20 billion for immediate mobilization to manage the damage caused by the massive flood that originated in Tibet, China.
The Ministry of Finance said that arrangements have been made to mobilize funds as needed from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and other sources.
Similarly, the government has begun the process of securing assistance worth Rs 25 billion from the World Bank.
“We are focused on disaster management and resource mobilization. We are in continuous dialogue with donor agencies,” Finance Secretary Ghanashyam Upadhyaya said.
For disaster management, the government has opened accounts at 10 banks and put in place the necessary coordination mechanisms. It said that the funds will be mobilized immediately for rescue, relief, and other disaster-response efforts.
Rs 25 billion from World Bank
In addition to the Rs 20 billion allocated by the government, assistance worth approximately Rs 25 billion is expected through the World Bank’s Cat DDO Rapid Response facility. The necessary procurement procedures have been initiated.
“We are working to immediately mobilize the resources currently available and arrange additional resources as required,” Finance Secretary Upadhyaya said.
15 customs employees still out of contact
Eight customs employees working in flood-affected areas have been rescued, while 15 others remain out of contact. Search and rescue operations are continuing, according to the Ministry of Finance.
A separate mechanism has also been put in place to share information with the families of the employees who remain unaccounted for.
More than 150 cargo vehicles swept away
The flood has swept away more than 150 cargo vehicles in the border area, while more than 300 electric vehicles have reportedly been damaged.
Finance Secretary Upadhyaya said that coordination has been made with the airport chief to speed up customs clearance for relief supplies and other essential materials.
Online information portal for damage assessment
An IBAS online information portal has been set up to immediately collect and monitor information on the disaster situation and the extent of the damage.
The portal will make it easier to obtain information on conditions in affected areas, required assistance, and resource needs. The ministry said that separate arrangements have also been made to provide information related to trade.
Continuous dialogue with donor agencies
The Ministry of Finance held a meeting on Wednesday in the presence of the finance minister to discuss the disaster situation and the resources required.
The Asian Development Bank has also expressed interest in providing grant assistance, according to the ministry.
“We are also working to arrange additional resources based on the needs. We are in continuous dialogue with donor agencies,” Finance Secretary Upadhyaya said.
