Sep 03, Kathmandu - Basuana Thapa, Chief Whip of the Nepali Congress, publicly criticized the government for its shortcomings in rescue and relief operations following the recent floods in Rasuwa.

During the meeting of the Infrastructure Development Committee on Thursday, Thapa stated that although the state managed initial rescue and relief efforts using available resources in the first two days after the sudden floods, it failed to implement comprehensive plans thereafter. She pointed out that delays in seeking international assistance exacerbated the crisis, especially as some people remain trapped inside the tunnels of hydropower projects.

Thapa accused the government of misinformation regarding rescue operations inside the tunnels, clarifying that while some individuals outside the tunnels have been rescued, no one has been successfully evacuated from within. She emphasized that efforts are still underway to rescue potential survivors inside the Trishuli-3A tunnel, where some people are believed to still be alive.

The leader highlighted that foreign assistance should not be hindered during disasters and criticized the government for ineffective coordination with local and provincial authorities in rescue operations. She also alleged that the government did not allow local levels to manage rescue efforts effectively, including the installation of TuiN systems.

Reflecting on the emergency response, Thapa admitted that the government and other agencies did their best within limited resources during the first two days, which she called a commendable effort. However, she acknowledged that beyond that period, the response was inadequate, and the government failed to plan properly. “We must admit that we were at fault. Whether in media or here, we need to be honest—we failed,” she stated.

Thapa questioned the claims circulating in the media about the number of people rescued from the tunnels, clarifying that no one has yet been evacuated from inside them. “We have rescued those outside the tunnels, which is correct, but no one has entered or rescued anyone from inside the tunnels,” she emphasized.

She expressed hope that the five Dailak district residents believed to be inside the Trishuli-3A tunnel are still alive, citing reports from electricity officials about safe spaces within the tunnel. However, she admitted that rescue teams have yet to reach and access those inside.

Thapa also criticized the misinformation spread about refusing foreign aid, stating that the Prime Minister’s recent visit clarified that international assistance is still welcome. She concluded by noting that relief supplies are sufficient but face distribution challenges due to infrastructural issues and stressed the urgency of restoring electricity in the affected areas.