By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – The Government of Nepal on Sunday announced a financial assistance package of $200,000 to support relief and recovery efforts in Sri Lanka, which has been badly affected by recent floods that have claimed over 200 lives.
The authorities said that at least 212 people have died and 218 remain missing as the country dealt with one of its worst weather-related disasters in years.
Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its profound sorrow and deepest sympathies to the government and people of Sri Lanka over the devastating floods that have caused extensive loss of life and widespread damage across Sri Lanka as it announced financial assistance.
“In the spirit of close bilateral relations, Nepal stands firmly with Sri Lanka in this difficult time,” the statement read.
It added “The Government of Nepal offers its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for a swift and complete recovery of the injured.”
Sri Lankan government has declared an emergency and issued an appeal for international assistance. It has also urged Sri Lankans abroad to donate funds to support affected communities.
The Disaster Management Centre said heavy rainfall and flooding triggered by Cyclone Ditwah have caused mayhem in several parts of the island nation.
More heavy rains brought on by the cyclone are expected in the coming days, it noted.
According to media reports, the river levels rising to historic highs, entire towns submerged, major bridges swept away and critical infrastructure collapsing, the scale of devastation has rapidly intensified.
International assistance is arriving as Sri Lanka struggles to manage the expanding humanitarian crisis, media reported.
According to the local media over 20,500 Army personnel have been deployed to carry out rescue operations.
The army rescued 3,790 people, relocated them to safe centers, the media reports concluded.
