KATHMANDU – France has provided emergency relief materials to communities affected by the devastating Bhotekoshi flash flood in Nepal.
The Embassy of France in Nepal on Monday handed over a consignment of in-kind humanitarian assistance to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) to support immediate relief and recovery efforts following the August 26 disaster.
According to a statement issued by the French Embassy, the assistance includes floor mats, hygiene kits, kitchen sets, water purification tablets, solar lamps and medicine kits for both urgent and general needs.
The relief materials were provided in response to requests from the Government of Nepal through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, the embassy said.
French Ambassador-designate Françoise Puig-Inza formally handed over the assistance to Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Mahabir Pun.
Speaking on the occasion, Puig-Inza said France stood in solidarity with the people and Government of Nepal following the tragedy. She said the emergency assistance, along with further support planned by France, reflects the commitment of France and the European Union to helping local authorities provide immediate relief and assisting vulnerable communities in recovery and reconstruction.
The French Embassy said the French government will also contribute to broader international humanitarian assistance for affected communities through UN agencies, the International Federation of the Red Cross, and French international NGOs Action Contre la Faim and Triangle Génération Humanitaire, which are already operating in the affected areas.
The embassy also expressed its deepest condolences to the families of those affected by the disaster and to the Government of Nepal.