Flood, Friends and Foreign Countries

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Kathmandu: “I’m often asked what the most important thing was that I learned while living and working in Nepal. Over the years, my answer is always the same. Generosity.” 

These are the words from Mary Cameron, 48, anthropologist and one of the former Peace Corps volunteers who lived in Nepal for seven years, serving as math and science teacher.

Mary Cameron was responding to news of devastating floods in Rasuwa on  August 26, which swept away entire villages, power projects, roads and homes and countless other structures affecting people in multiple districts–from Rasuwa to Nuwakot to Chitwan up to Gorkha and beyond. She wrote a post on social media sharing the link of the Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund and appealed to people to contribute. 

Her gesture was one among many expressions of empathy and solidarity from citizens around the world for Nepal and Nepali people in the wake of devastating floods that wrecked lives, properties, livelihoods and infrastructure.

The disaster prompted an outpouring of grief, condolences, support and solidarity from world leaders, governments and international organizations. From the U.S. President Donald Trump to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, many global leaders have voiced their deep concern for Nepal.  Numerous Heads of State, Prime Ministers, and Foreign Ministers have sent messages of condolence to the people of Nepal through Prime Minister Balendra Shah and Foreign Minister Sishir Khanal.

In this story, The Diplomat Nepal documents the global solidarity and support extended to Nepal in this time of national tragedy, while apologizing for any inadvertent omission of agencies, countries, world leaders or individuals.

Soon after hearing the news of the disaster broke, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi telephoned Prime Minister Balendra Shah to convey condolences over the loss of lives and reassured him that the people of India stood in solidarity with their “sisters and brothers” in Nepal during the difficult time.

“India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance to Nepal. Our teams are coordinating closely on rescue and relief efforts,” Modi said.

Likewise, the embassies of Australia, the European Union, Finland, France, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom in Nepal issued a joint statement extending support and solidarity. “We are deeply saddened by the devastating flooding in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts and surrounding areas,” the statement said. “Our thoughts are with all those affected by this disaster. We express our solidarity with the people of Nepal during this difficult time.”

The next day, on August 27, India dispatched 10 tonnes of HADR assistance and essential medicines to support Nepal’s response to the devastating floods. India has continued to extend humanitarian aid, as well as forensic experts and tunnel rescue teams.

The Parliament of Bangladesh passed a condolence motion and lawmakers observed a minute of silence. Muslim religious scholars recited verses from the Quran inside Parliament to pay tribute to those who lost their lives, the victims and those affected in Nepal.

King Charles III of the UK expressed profound sympathy to Nepal and the Nepali people. “Many in the United Kingdom have strong, deep and personal ties to this part of the world,” the King’s statement read. “Our hearts go out also to the families of all the police and armed forces personnel who lost their lives while carrying out their courageous duty in the service of others.” 

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolences to Nepali President Ram Chandra Poudel on August 28.  

Shebaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan, offered his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and all those affected by this tragedy. He said, “Pakistan stands in solidarity with the Government and people of Nepal during this difficult time. We pray for the safety and well-being of all those in the affected areas.” Asif Ali Zardari, President of Pakistan and Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and devastation caused by the flash floods. 

President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to President of Nepal Ram Chandra Paudel and Prime Minister of Nepal Balendra Shah.

On August 29, the government of Japan expressed concern over five missing Japanese nationals and offered assistance to Nepal. In a statement issued by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, she requested the Government of Nepal to make full efforts in the search for 5 Japanese nationals and prayed for the safety of those who remain missing.   Stating that the Government of Japan has decided, upon the request of the Government of Nepal, to provide emergency relief goods (tents, blankets, etc.) to Nepal, based on humanitarian considerations and in light of the friendly relations between the two countries, the Japanese PM said Japan will continue to consider providing necessary support in accordance with the needs of Nepal. “Japan stands with Nepal,” she said.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed solidarity and said the US was ready to support the Government of Nepal with needed humanitarian assistance.

Likewise, Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom, made a telephone call to Hon. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shisir Khanal and conveyed his profound condolences. He also expressed the strong support of the UK Government in helping Nepal cope with the situation.

Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management, stated solidarity with the victims of the floods in Nepal. “The EU has activated the Copernicus satellite service to provide maps & EU-funded partners in Nepal are already providing help on the ground,” she assured Nepal.

Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, expressed her sadness at the harrowing scenes of floods and landslides in Nepal and Tibet. He said, “My heartfelt condolences go to the families who have lost loved ones and to all those affected by this tragedy. My thoughts are also with the families and friends anxiously awaiting news of missing travellers.”

Elina Valtonen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, stated that Finland stands in solidarity with those affected as rescue efforts continue. She said, “Heartbroken by the devastating floods in Nepal and Tibet and the tragic loss of life. I extend my deepest sympathies to all those who have lost loved ones and to everyone impacted by this disaster.”

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, said, “My thoughts are with the people impacted by the flash flood and mudslide that hit the Nepal-China border this morning.” He stated that WHO Nepal has mobilized and dispatched essential emergency medical supplies, and provided field-level care to the affected communities. He further emphasized, “My greatest respect and gratitude for the selfless first responders doing the search and rescue and providing care during this difficult time.”  

Anita Anand, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Canada, stated that Canada stands with all those affected by the tragic flash floods along the border of Nepal and China that have caused loss of life, widespread destruction and washed away villages. She said, “Our thoughts are with all those affected, the families who have lost loved ones and the first responders working tirelessly under extremely difficult conditions.” She stated that Global Affairs Canada consular officials are in contact with local authorities and ready to assist Canadians in the region. She said, “If you are in Nepal or Tibet, register through the Registration of Canadians Abroad to receive up-to-date information. We are monitoring the situation and stand ready to provide assistance as appropriate.”

Kestustis Budrys, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, stated that Lithuania expresses its sincere condolences to the people of Nepal following the tragic flash floods. He said, “Our thoughts are with the families of all victims and missing persons, including foreign nationals, and with everyone affected by this disaster.”

Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, said, “I am deeply saddened by the devastating floods reported in Rasuwa District and other parts of Nepal.” He stated that his thoughts are with all those affected, and especially with the families and communities enduring this difficult time. He commended the efforts of the Nepalese authorities and all personnel engaged in relief and rescue operations. He said that Sri Lanka stands in full solidarity with the Government and people of Nepal as they navigate this challenging period. 

Johann Wadephul, Foreign Minister of Germany, said, “Devastating images reach us from Nepal & China. Entire villages swept away, many lives lost and many more unaccounted for. My thoughts are with everyone affected as well as the rescue teams working under extremely difficult conditions. Germany stands ready to support.”

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres extended condolences to the families of the victims and wished a swift recovery to those injured.  “I am saddened by the severe flooding in Nepal & China, which has claimed many lives, left people missing, and caused widespread destruction.    I extend my condolences to the families of the victims, and I wish a swift recovery to those injured. My solidarity is with all those affected,” he wrote, adding that the UN is supporting the Government-led response.

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) also expressed solidarity with Nepal. “We are deeply saddened by this tragic disaster, which struck so suddenly and unexpectedly,” said Pema Gyamtsho, Director General of ICIMOD. “We stand in solidarity with the people and Government of Nepal during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and all those affected, and we are committed to providing support wherever possible.”

The World Health Organization (WHO), expressing solidarity with the families and communities affected by the devastating floods, mobilized and dispatched essential emergency medical supplies, including medicines and multipurpose tents, to help sustain the delivery of critical health services and provide field-level care to affected communities. 

According to the statement of Ministry of Foreign Affairs released on August 31, Nepali agencies are working with specialized technical teams for tunnel rescue from India (11 people), China (9 people) in coordination with Nepali authorities in Mailung (Chilime) and Syafrubesi, and in Upper Trishuli 3A respectively. 

Likewise, a coordination to mobilise Disaster Victim Identification Team from Singapore is underway. According to the ministry, Nepal has already received generous rescue support from India, China, Japan, the United States, United Arab Emirates, the Republic of Korea, and other countries and partners. Items in this regard include bridge units, freezers, generator sets, solar lamps, DNA testing kits, bridge units, emergency relief equipment as well as tents, blankets, sleeping bags, food packets, medicines etc.

The MoFA has expressed gratitude to friends and partners for their solidarity, goodwill and generous offers of support at this difficult time. According to the Ministry, Nepal has already received relief materials from India, China and UAE and other countries. More supplies are coming from UAE, Myanmar, USA, Qatar, UK, Australia, Republic of Korea, Japan, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Pakistan and other friendly countries and international organizations and partners like UN, WHO, WFP and UNICEF.

Nepal also received generous pledges of monetary assistance from our friends and partners from across the world. “We deeply value support and assistance in this difficult time, and we are truly grateful,” the MoFA statement said.

Countries and institutions are not only sending relief materials, the leaders of respective countries are signing condolence books placed in Nepali Embassies around the world. Rajnath Singh, the Hon. The Defence Minister of India went to Nepali Embassy to sign the condolence book. “As a close friend and partner, and ‘Sukh Dukh Ke Saathi’ India has always stood by Nepal”, he posted on his social media. “In this trying time also, we stand shoulder to shoulder with our Nepali brothers and sisters and are committed to support Nepal’s effort for search, rescue and rehabilitation.”

As of this writing, several countries including India, China, Australia, Japan, USA, UK, UAE, EU, Qatar, Norway, Finland, Canada, Sweden, among others have already sent tonnes of relief materials, medical supplies, food packets, and heavy equipment, in humanitarian assistance. In addition, they have provided (and pledged) hundreds of millions in aid to Nepal to help the country to recover from this disaster.

What does all this mean for Nepal? “This reflects a deep reservoir of solidarity and goodwill toward Nepal from the international community,” says Dinesh Bhattarai, a former ambassador and foreign policy scholar based in Kathmandu. “But we need to enhance our capabilities to support victims of such disasters.” 

These instances show that Nepal is not alone in this time of national tragedy. The support extended by friends and partners has once again demonstrated the truth of the age-old saying, “A friend in need is a friend indeed.”