Kathmandu: Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah and his council of ministers have decided to contribute one month’s salary to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund as the country continues to deal with the devastation caused by severe floods.

The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting on Friday and announced by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

Ministers step forward to support flood victims

The government said the salaries and wages of the Prime Minister and members of the Council of Ministers would be deposited into the disaster relief fund.

The Cabinet also directed the Ministry of Finance to prepare a relief and rehabilitation package for individuals and businesses affected by the floods in the Rasuwagadhi and Bhotekoshi River areas and lower coastal regions.

Nepal approves fertiliser purchase from India

During the meeting, the Cabinet also gave in-principle approval for Krishi Samagri Company Limited to purchase 25,000 metric tonnes of DAP fertiliser from India through government-to-government procurement.

The decision comes as the government continues to address both the immediate disaster and wider needs arising from the crisis.

Fresh flood threat raises concern

Nepal is still recovering from a catastrophic flash flood that struck near the Tibet-Nepal border on August 26. The surge of water, sediment and boulders swept through parts of the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems, causing widespread damage.

Authorities are now also concerned about the possibility of fresh flooding after a large barrier lake near the confluence of the Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers reportedly breached on Friday.

Rasuwa Chief District Officer Narendra Pariyar said the Nepali Army had informed him about the breach.

People evacuated as water levels rise

Residents in the Trishuli area were evacuated again amid concerns that a heavy flow of water could cause the river level to rise.

The continuing crisis has placed additional pressure on rescue teams working in the affected regions.

According to The Kathmandu Post, authorities involved in rescue operations have so far recovered 475 bodies.

With rescue, relief and reconstruction efforts continuing, the Nepal government is preparing additional support for people and businesses affected by the floods.