September 14, Kathmandu: KP Sharma Oli, Chairman of the CPN-UML, has instructed the deployment of all party mechanisms to make the rescue, relief, and reconstruction efforts for those affected by the Bhote Koshi flood more effective. On Sunday, he received a report from the team led by General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel, who conducted an on-site assessment of the flood and landslide-affected areas in Rasuwa at the party’s central office in Chyasal, Lalitpur.
Chairman Oli also provided updates that the party is continuing the collection and dispatch of food, clothing, and other relief materials to the affected regions.
He alleged that certain elements have been active with the intent to discredit the humanitarian efforts and relief campaigns undertaken by the party. During discussions on the natural disaster, Chairman Oli expressed preliminary assessments suggesting that the flooding and landslides in Rasuwa and Sindhupalchok may have been caused not only by heavy rainfall but also possibly by a glacier or glacial lake outburst flood.
Highlighting coordination deficiencies in rescue and relief operations, Chairman Oli criticized the government’s approach. He noted that some ministers, without adequate preparation and management, relocated people who were already in safe locations to other areas, leaving them more vulnerable and stirring anger among the affected populations.
Sharing the painful reality that family members of party officials and local representatives from Nuwakot and Rasuwa remain missing, he urged everyone to engage patiently in rescue efforts. ‘Rain alone cannot cause such a significant increase in the water level in a short river stretch. This appears to be a destructive flood caused by a glacier or glacial lake outburst, which has exacerbated risks in already damaged areas. Moving people from safe locations without ensuring food and shelter arrangements has further complicated the situation,’ Chairman Oli explained.
