Kathmandu: Three organisations working to strengthen Nepal-Japan ties have jointly contributed Rs 35,47,536 to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund in support of people displaced and affected by the devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa.
The Japan Nepal Society (JNS), Tokyo, contributed Rs 22,26,560, while the JICA Alumni Association of Nepal (JAAN) contributed Rs 10,11,705 and the Institution for Suitable Actions for Prosperity (ISAP) contributed Rs 3,09,271. The amount was voluntarily raised from members of the three organisations in response to the Government of Nepal’s appeal for assistance to flood-affected communities.
A delegation led by Dr Ram Chandra Bhusal, President of JAAN and Team Leader of the Agriculture Promotion Project in Nepal (APPIN), handed over the contribution to Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle. The amount will be deposited in the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund.
Receiving the contribution, Finance Minister Wagle expressed gratitude to JAAN, JNS, ISAP and their members and well-wishers for standing with the Government and people of Nepal during a difficult period.
In a message to Minister Wagle, Prof. Dr Yoko Ishida, President of the Japan Nepal Society, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and property caused by the floods and affirmed that JNS and its members stand in solidarity with the people of Nepal in times of crisis.
Dr Bhusal said the contribution reflected the voluntary commitment of members of JAAN, JNS and ISAP to support communities affected by the disaster.
He highlighted JAAN’s long-standing role in strengthening people-to-people relations between Nepal and Japan. For nearly five decades, the organisation has served as a bridge of friendship between the two countries, including through humanitarian assistance during major disasters in both countries.
Following the devastating earthquake in Japan in March 2011, JAAN mobilised financial assistance from its members and handed the funds to the Government of Japan through the Japanese Ambassador to Nepal. After the devastating earthquake in Nepal in April 2015, JAAN, in cooperation with JNS, provided relief materials and supported community development initiatives in affected areas.
JNS is currently supporting the Agriculture Promotion Project in Nepal (APPIN) through ISAP. The organisation brings together Japanese members with longstanding goodwill towards Nepal and has been working to promote closer relations between the two countries.
Through its collaboration with JAAN and ISAP, JNS has supported disaster-relief initiatives, community development programmes and efforts to improve the livelihoods of rural communities through agricultural production and marketing.
The three organisations expressed profound sorrow over the loss of lives and property in the Bhotekoshi floods and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of both Nepali and foreign nationals who lost their lives in the disaster.
The contribution comes as Nepal continues relief and recovery efforts following the devastating floods in Rasuwa and other parts of the country.
