Joint Press Statement

Strong Appeal to the Government for the Immediate Rescue and Relief of Citizens Affected by the Floods

The devastating flood that struck the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa has severely affected various settlements, from Timure Bazaar through Syafrubesi in Rasuwa, Betravati and Trishuli in Nuwakot, as well as areas of Dhading, Gorkha, Chitwan, Nawalpur, and elsewhere.

Although the floods have caused extensive material damage, it is extremely concerning that an accurate assessment of the human casualties has not yet been made public.

At this tragic and sensitive hour, all concerned parties must immediately come together on humanitarian grounds to carry out rescue and relief operations. During a disaster, saving citizens' lives without delay or excuses is the first and foremost responsibility of the state.

Ban Landmines Campaign Nepal (NCBL) and Women Development Society (WODES) strongly urge the government to immediately implement the following measures:

·       Immediately search for, rescue, and safely evacuate citizens who are trapped or missing in the floods.

·       Immediately rescue the injured and sick and arrange treatment at nearby health facilities, ensuring that necessary treatment is provided free of charge and effectively.

·       Without delay, evacuate citizens living in vulnerable settlements and high-risk areas to safe locations.

·       Immediately provide displaced families with food, safe drinking water, tarpaulins, blankets and bedding, medicines, and other essential relief supplies.

·       Ensure transparency, effectiveness, and humanitarian sensitivity in rescue and relief operations.

·       Make special arrangements for the rescue, protection, and relief of persons with disabilities, senior citizens, women, children, and other vulnerable citizens who face particular risks during disasters.

·       Immediately deploy the necessary personnel, health workers, food, clothing, security forces, and rescue equipment to affected areas, and conduct an integrated and rapid rescue operation.

·       Give the highest priority to identifying the deceased and handing over their remains to their respective families, and strongly demand that appropriate relief and compensation be provided to affected families.

We appeal to the federal, provincial, and local governments, security agencies, civil society, the private sector, and all communities to join the rescue and relief campaign through mutual coordination, cooperation, and unity.

Every minute is critical at this time of disaster. The state apparatus must be mobilized immediately and to its full capacity, giving the highest priority to locating missing citizens, rescuing those who are trapped, and saving the lives of those affected.

Protecting human life is the first priority now.

Campaign for the Ban on Landmines Nepal

Women Development Society

Date: 26 August 2026