Relief, Reconstruction Top Priority: Minister Ghising

Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Kulman Ghising said on Saturday, October 11, that relief and reconstruction efforts following the recent rain-induced calamities are the government’s foremost priority.

Ghising made the remarks after inspecting flood- and landslide-affected areas in Ilam—the hardest-hit district.

Given the scale of destruction, the government has declared Ilam a crisis-hit zone for the next three months.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), at least 53 people have died across central and eastern Nepal—40 in landslides, 11 in floods, and two from lightning strikes. Five people remain missing and 47 have been injured.

Ilam alone accounts for 38 deaths, one missing person, and 26 injured.

“Prompt relief delivery and long-term, resilient reconstruction will be carried out,” Ghising said during his visit to Rong Rural Municipality, Suryodaya Municipality, and Ilam Municipality, where he met with affected residents.

(With inputs from RSS)