Aug 31, Kathmandu - As Nepal grapples with massive human and physical losses caused by devastating floods, industrialist Dr. Varun Chaudhary has expressed gratitude for the immediate relief, rescue and technical assistance extended by India.

Chaudhary, Managing Director of CG Corp Global and the Chaudhary Group, said in a video message that India’s support during this difficult time had once again highlighted the deep friendship between Nepal and India.

“Such support received during difficult times has once again brought to light the deep friendship that exists between Nepal and India,” Chaudhary said.

Expressing heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the disaster, Chaudhary also thanked India for providing relief materials at an early stage of the crisis and helping boost the morale of the Nepali people.

He also extended special thanks to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“For this, I would like to express my gratitude to the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiji,” he said in the video message.

As of Bhadra 14, India had sent 68.5 tonnes of relief and technical assistance to Nepal through four airlift operations. The supplies included essential medicines, ready-to-eat food, portable generators, water purification tablets, blankets, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, plastic sheets, hygiene materials and search-and-rescue equipment.

The fourth flight alone carried 11 tonnes of supplies, along with a 13-member specialised tunnel rescue team from the Indian Army, equipped for rescue operations. India also deployed 19 forensic experts across six teams to assist with DNA analysis and the identification of victims.

Following extensive damage to roads and bridges, India also sent 16 trucks carrying components for a 230-foot single-lane modular steel bridge. Preparations are also underway to send materials and technical teams for the installation of seven additional Bailey bridges.

Chaudhary said that Nepal’s next major challenge, after the immediate rescue and relief phase, would be reconstruction.

“Many of our infrastructures — hydropower projects, schools, bridges and roads — have been damaged. Just as we have received relief materials, we also expect support in rebuilding these infrastructures,” he said.

His remarks have also drawn attention to the need for long-term international and neighbourhood cooperation in rebuilding critical infrastructure damaged by the disaster.

The private sector has also stepped up its relief and rehabilitation efforts. The Chaudhary Foundation and Nabil Bank have announced a multi-phase relief and rehabilitation programme worth around NPR 150 million for flood-affected communities in Rasuwa and Nuwakot.

Under the programme, affected families are being provided with food, clean drinking water, ready-to-eat meals, clothing, tarpaulins, personal hygiene supplies and other essential materials.

Plans are also underway to operate one relief camp each in Rasuwa and Nuwakot, providing food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities and safe spaces for children.

While India has expanded its assistance from relief supplies to specialist rescue teams and infrastructure restoration, Nepal’s private sector has also become increasingly active in relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Against this backdrop, Chaudhary said the cooperation witnessed during the crisis would further strengthen relations between the two countries.

“I believe that the support and cooperation we have received during this disaster will make the relationship between our two nations even stronger,” Chaudhary said in concluding his message.