Nepal Pledges $200,000 in Financial Aid for Sri Lanka's Disaster Relief

 The Government of Nepal has decided to make a financial donation of two hundred thousand US dollars (200,000) for relief and reconstruction efforts for those affected by the 'Ditwa' cyclone and the severe flood situation it caused in Sri Lanka. This disaster, considered one of the worst weather calamities faced by Sri Lanka in recent times, has so far claimed the lives of over 300 people.

Issuing a special statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal stated that the Government and people of Nepal express their profound sorrow over the extensive loss of life and property in Sri Lanka due to this devastating flood situation. The statement further added that, based on the close bilateral relations between the two countries, Nepal stands firmly with Sri Lanka during this difficult time.

The Government of Nepal extended its heartfelt condolences to the affected families and wished a speedy and full recovery to the injured. Meanwhile, considering the prevailing emergency, the Sri Lankan government has declared a state of emergency and has also appealed for assistance from the international community.

The government has also requested Sri Lankans living abroad to provide assistance to support those affected.

The Disaster Management Centre states that the heavy rainfall and floods caused by Cyclone 'Ditwa' have severely impacted many parts of the island, and heavy rainfall is expected in the coming days as well. Media reports indicate that river water levels have risen historically, and the extent of destruction has rapidly increased due to cities being submerged, major bridges being swept away, and infrastructure collapsing.

International aid has begun to arrive to address this growing humanitarian crisis, and the Daily Mirror newspaper reports that over 20,500 army personnel have already been deployed for relief operations. On Saturday alone, the army successfully rescued 3,790 people from affected areas and directed them to safe centers.