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World leaders pledge help after Nepal flood tragedy
Indian PM Modi, British King Charles, Russian President Putin and Chinese foreign minister Wang send condolences and offer support.Post Report
Nepal’s immediate neighbours India, China and other friendly countries have assured Nepali authorities of all possible cooperation and support in the wake of the recent floods and landslides that killed at least 238 people.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday sent a letter to Prime Minister KP Oli expressing condolences for the loss of lives and pledging all possible assistance, said a senior official at the Prime Minister’s Office.
“India stands with Nepal in this hour of grief,” said Modi in his letter, adding, “As always, India is also ready to support and extend all possible cooperation to Nepal.”
In his letter, Modi has mentioned that India will support Nepal in the search, rescue and reconstruction bid of Nepal.
Naveen Srivastava, Indian ambassador to Nepal, handed the letter to Prime Minister Oli, while the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu delivered copies to the Prime Minister’s Office and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Likewise, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on Wednesday sent a message of condolences to Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, over the severe floods and landslides in Nepal.
According to the Chinese official news agency, Xinhua, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said he was shocked to learn that heavy rainfall in Nepal has triggered severe floods and landslides, resulting in significant casualties and property losses.
He also expressed deep condolences over the deaths and sincere sympathies to the bereaved families and the injured, according to the news report. China is willing to provide support within its capacity, said Wang.
“As a friendly neighbour linked by mountains and rivers, China has always shared weal and woe with Nepal and is ready to provide support and assistance within its capacity for Nepal’s flood relief in light of its needs,” said Wang.
The Chinese Red Cross Society has already donated $100,000 for the Nepalis affected by the recent floods and landslide.
Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song handed over a cheque of $100,000 to Nepal Red Cross Society through the Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday.
Likewise, British King Charles III also sent a message of condolence to the President Ramchandra Paudel.
Charles said he and the Queen were “heartbroken” at the “devastating effects” on the Himalayan nation and that the UK stands ready to help President Paudel support those in need, according to the British news agency, Press Association.
The disaster came just ahead of the country’s biggest festival Dashain, which began on Thursday, when people return home to celebrate with their families.
The King said: “My wife and I were heartbroken to see the devastating effects of flooding and landslides in Nepal over the weekend. Many in the United Kingdom have strong, deep and personal ties to Nepal, not least through the Gurkhas and their outstanding contribution to the British Army.
“Together with the British public, we send our deepest condolences to those who have so tragically lost their loved ones, and who continue to be affected. As always, the United Kingdom stands ready to help you support those most in need.
“As many in Nepal begin to mark important festivals, I particularly hope that families might still be able to come together, even at such an incredibly difficult time.”
Likewise, Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent condolence telegrams to President Paudel and Prime Minister Sharma Oli over the deaths caused by landslides and floods, the Russian embassy in Kathmandu, according to TASS, a Russian news agency.
Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko and State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin also sent condolences to the Nepali authorities.
"Russian national flags were lowered at the Russian embassy in Nepal and at the ambassador's residence in Kathmandu as a sign of mourning for the victims of the natural disaster," the Russian diplomatic mission said.
Several Kathmandu based diplomatic missions have also expressed concerns over the recent floods and landslide in Nepal and expressed their readiness to support the government of Nepal.