Kathmandu, July 8: Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba has expressed his deep sorrow over the loss caused by a massive flood of the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa last night.
Taking to social site today, the NC President urged the party people including cadres to get engaged in the relief and rescue efforts from their respective sides.
Deuba, also the former Prime Minister and the leader of the key ruling coalition partner, urged the government to promptly reach out the affected site for rescue with relief materials.
Eighteen people including six Chinese nationals have been reported missing in the flood. Of the 20 people who were trapped, nine have been rescued safely, according to the District Administration Office in Rasuwa.
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NMA closes all services except emergency in protest
Kathmandu, July 8: Doctors and health workers have continued their protest by closing all services except emergency care across the country today.
Nepal Medical Association had decided to shut all services except emergency from Monday onwards.
The private hospitals and clinics along with public hospitals have expressed their solidarity for NMA’s protest.
The umbrella organization of doctors launched the protest pressing for amendment to the provision of Consumer Protection Act, 2075, reads a press release issued by NMA.
It decided to continue the protest after the government did not take concrete efforts to address their demands so far.
The doctors and health workers have expressed reservation on the Consumer Court’s decision of action on the cases of medical practices.
The Consumer Court has recently issued a verdict against some hospitals directing them to provide compensation, citing negligence of the hospitals and doctors in the treatment of patients.
NMA General Secretary Dr Sanjeev Tiwari said the medical profession is a highly sensitive and science-based service, which should not be evaluated like other professions.
He demanded such matters be handled by the Nepal Medical Council.
Similarly, the NMA urged doctors and health workers within Kathmandu Valley to participate in the sit-in staged at Maitighar Mandala and doctors and health workers out of the Valley at the places as determined and informed.
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Flood in the Lhende River: 18 missing, helicopter arrives for rescue
Rasuwa, July 8: Eighteen people have been reported missing in the devastating flood of the Lhende River in Rasuwa district last night. Among the missing were three police personnel and six Chinese nationals.
Of the 20 people trapped, nine have been rescued safely, and efforts are ongoing to rescue the rest, confirmed Deputy Superintendent of Police Hem Bahadur Shahi.
Meanwhile, a Nepali Army (NA) helicopter has arrived in Timure, the flood-affected areas, to assist in the ongoing rescue operations.
The flood has swept away the Miteri Bridge along the Nepal-China border. Shortly after passing this point, the Lhende River merges with the Bhotekoshi River. The flood has also severely disrupted the Syafrubesi-Rasuwagadhi road at several locations, halting transportation.
More, it has damaged a barrage of the 111-megawatt Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project and the Customs Office at Timure.
Armed Police Force DSP Ramhari Khadka said the complete details of the losses are awaited.
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Newly appointed SC Justices take oath of office
Kathmandu, July 8: Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut has administered the oath of office and secrecy to the three newly appointed Justices of the Supreme Court.
At a programme held on the SC premises today, newly appointed Justices, Megh Raj Pokharel, Shreekanta Poudel and Shanti Singh Thapa took the oath of office and secrecy.
President Ramchandra Paudel on Monday had appointed them as SC Justices after endorsement of the names from Parliamentary Hearing Committee at the recommendation of Judicial Council.
Shortly after taking swear, all the newly appointed SC Justices have assumed their office.
Meanwhile, CJ Raut, in the capacity of Council Chairperson, administered the oath of office and secrecy to newly appointed member of the Judicial Council, Mahesh Kumar Nepal.
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Three police personnel, six Chinese nationals missing in Lhende flood
Kathmandu, July 8: At least 18 people, including Nepali and Chinese nationals have gone missing in the flood-fed Lhende rivulet in Rasuwa along the Nepal-China border this morning.
Assistant Spokesperson of the Armed Police Force, Shailendra Thapa informed that 18 people including nine Nepali citizens among the workers in Customs yard of Rasuwagadhi border point, three police personnel serving at Timure Area Police Office, and six Chinese nationals have gone missing.
The flood has also swept away the Miteri (Friendship) Bridge linking Nepal and China.
It is informed that Lal Bahadur Shrestha, a 42-year-old Assistant inspector of police from Likhutamakoshi Gaipa-4 in Ramechhap, 24-year-old police constable Munna Thakur from Feta Gaipa-1 in Bara, and 23-year-old police constable Lokendra Bohora from Bungdal Municipality-9 in Bajhang are missing in the flood.
Six Chinese men have also been reported missing in the flood. Identities of the Chinese nationals are yet to be established.
Among other missing are Jipen Chaudhary, 36, Santosh Dait, 25-year-old, Buddhi Ram Tharu, 25, Lakshmi Narayan Tharu, 24 and Suresh Tharu, 30, from Bardiya, as well as Narendra Bik from Baglung, container driver Purwa Lama from Sindhupalchok, and Hilux pick-up driver Govinda Moktan and Lokman Tamang.
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Govt. working on war-footing level for rescue operations: PM Oli
Kathmandu, July 8: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stated that the government is working on war-footing level to rescue those affected by flooding in the Lehende Stream of Rasuwa and the Trishuli River last night.
“All concerned authorities were ordered to make every possible effort to ensure effective rescue and relief operations,” the Prime Minister wrote on social media.
Expressing deep sorrow over the disaster-induced loss of lives and damages, Prime Minister Oli said he has postponed all pre-scheduled programmes except the most essential ones and is in constant contact with security agencies to monitor ongoing rescue operations.
He claimed that government agencies are actively engaged in rescue work and that swift coordination is underway among relevant bodies to provide emergency assistance in disaster-prone areas.
“There are heartbreaking reports of casualties, missing persons, and significant physical damage,” he said, extending tributes to the deceased.
The Prime Minister also hoped for collective support in regard to the rescue and relief efforts.
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Enhancing public trust on priority: CJ Raut
Kathmandu, July 8: Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Prakash Man Singh Raut, has said they are working round the clock to deliver justice in a speedy manner, thereby enhancing public trust.
Informing media persons about lottery system placed at the Supreme Court today, CJ Raut mentioned, “Though the Constitution has arranged 21 justices including a Chief Justice at the apex court, it is yet to be fulfilled. With the addition of three justices, the number has reached 20 today. We are fulfilling our justice delivery responsibility in a speedy manner and conducting daily review to make our activities efficient.”
He urged all to focus on enhancing performance in order to ensure delivery effective while welcoming three additional justices at the apex court.
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RSP and RPP continue to boycott parliament over ‘visit visa’ scam
Kathmandu, July 8: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) have continued boycotting the House of Representatives (HoR) session today, too, over the visit visa scam.
Once the session convened, lawmakers representing both political parties stood from their respective seats in a gesture of protest.
Once granted time to put views, RSP’s Shobita Gautam accused the government of being indifference towards their frequent demands to establish a high level parliamentary committee or a high-level investigation commission to probe the matter.
“The RSP has long been demanding the formation of such body to investigate the alleged human trafficking in the name of visit visa,” she said, adding that it is objectionable that a general administrative committee was formed under the leadership of ‘unsuitable’ figure to deal with the issue that is connected Nepal’s image globally,” she said.
Similarly, RPP’s lawmaker Gyan Bahadur Shahi said though the party has long been speaking up against the visit visa camp, the government continued to ignore the party’s concerns.
“We are protesting against the government itself, but our move is against the human trafficking. We want formation of a parliamentary committee to find out facts surrounding the matter,” he said.
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Country’s total trade deficit reaches around 1400 billion
Kathmandu, July 8: In the first eleven months of the current fiscal year 2024/25, the country’s total deficit has reached Rs 1397.23 billion with a 6.3 percent rise.
Such a deficit had decreased 1.7 percent in the corresponding period of the previous year.
According to the data published by the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) today, export-import ratio has increased to 15.1 percent in the review period from 9.6 percent last year.
During the review period, merchandise imports increased by 13.1 percent to reach Rs1644.80 billion against a decline of 1.8 percent a year ago. Distinctively, imports from India, China, and other countries increased by 7.6 percent, 15.3 percent, and 29.5 percent, respectively.
Imports of crude soyabean oil, rice/paddy, transport equipment, vehicle and spare parts, edible oil, and sponge iron among others increased whereas imports of petroleum products, gold, electrical equipment, chemical fertilizer, and coal among others decreased in the review period.
Based on customs points, exports from Bhairahawa, Biratnagar, Birgunj, Dry Port, Kailali, Krishnanagar, Mechi, Nepalgunj, Rasuwa and Tribhuwan Airport Customs offices increased whereas exports from all other major customs points decreased in the review period.
On the other side, imports from Jaleshwor and Tribhuwan Airport Customs offices decreased whereas imports from all other major customs points increased in the review period.
During the review period, merchandise imports from India against payment in convertible foreign currency amounted Rs.167.30 billion. Such amount was Rs.137.13 billion in the same period of the previous year, the central bank states.
Similarly, merchandise exports increased by 77.8 percent to reach Rs 247.57 billion against a decrease of 3.0 percent in the same period of the previous year.
Destination-wise, exports to India, China, and other countries increased 112.6 percent, 3.0 percent, and 4.4 percent respectively.
Exports of soyabean oil, polyster yarn and thread, jute goods, tea, and rosin among others increased whereas exports of palm oil, zinc sheet, juice, readymade garments, and cardamom among others decreased in the review period, the NRB said in its latest report on current macroeconomic and financial situation.
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NA members draw govt.’s attention to contemporary issues
Kathmandu, July 8: National Assembly (NA) members have drawn the government’s attention towards preparedness for risk reduction of monsoon-induced incidents as well as for relief, rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
During zero hour of the Upper House meeting today, Goma Devi Timilsina said the government’s preparation for disaster risk reduction was not adequate even after getting information in priori about disaster.
Similarly, Rajendra Laxmi Gaire urged the government to emphatically put in place rescue operation, stating that flood in the Bhotekoshi River swept away some people, Miteri bridge linking Nepal and China as well as vehicles and containers.
Noting that women’s rights are being violated in Afghanistan, Bishnu Bahadur Biswokarma opined that Nepal should raise this issue.
Likewise, Durga Kumari Gurung drew government’s attention towards increasing risk of wild animal attacks in Bardiya.
Nara Bahadur Bista put forth his view that all political parties should stand together when it comes to the issue of disaster risk reduction and management.
Natayan Dutta Mishra asked the government to end shortage of chemical fertilizer.
Similarly, Yubaraj Sharma stressed the need for early enactment of the School Education Bill and urged the government to remain serious about the protest of doctors.
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HoR members demand prompt rescue and preparedness measures in disaster-affected areas
Kathmandu, July 8: Members of the House of Representatives (HoR) have expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and properties caused by recent natural disasters in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts.
Speaking during the zero hour of the Lower House today, lawmakers urged the government to carry out prompt rescue and relief operations in the affected areas and focus on strengthening disaster preparedness.
They also called on Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak to update the House about the actual situation and damage caused by the flood in Rasuwagadhi.
Among those speaking during the zero hour were Barshaman Pun, Dipa Sharma, Dig Bahadur Limbu, Prem Suwal, Tara Lama Tamang, Durga Rai, Nagina Yadav, Narayan Prasad Acharya, Narayan Sharma, Nirmala Koirala, Purna Bahadur Gharti, Prakash Jwala, Pratima Gautam, Prem Bahadur Ale, and Basudev Ghimire.
Similarly, lawmakers including Bishwa Prakash Sharma, Devendra Paudel, Arjun Narsingh KC, Ishwor Bahadur Rijal, Bimala Subedi, Prakash Sharan Mahat, Sita Mijar, and Dr Amresh Kumar Singh, who spoke during the special hour, echoed the urgency of addressing the needs of people in disaster-hit areas and called for intensified rescue efforts.
Devendra Paudel and Shyam Kumar Ghimire also raised concerns about the ongoing nationwide protest by medical doctors. Doctors have halted all hospital services except emergency care since yesterday over the orders by the Consumer Court. The lawmakers said that the public is suffering due to the protest and urged the government to resolve the issue through dialogue.
Meanwhile, Prabhu Hajara, Prabhu Shah, and Dinesh Kumar Yadav drew attention to the crisis of drinking water in several districts of Madhesh Province. Hari Prasad Upreti demanded proper payment to sugarcane farmers.
Likewise, Deepak Giri highlighted the economic crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. He urged the government to ensure effective utilization of the development budget and make the upcoming fiscal year’s monetary policy business-friendly.
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Nepal receives Rs 1,532 billion remittance in 11 months
Kathmandu, July 8: Remittance inflow has reached Rs 1,532 billion in 11 months of the current fiscal year.
As per the Current Macroeconomic and Financial report released today, the remittance inflow has increased by 15.5 per cent during the reporting period as compared to the previous fiscal year. It had increased by 17.2 per cent in the previous fiscal year.
Similarly, the remittance inflow was Rs 176.32 billion from May 15 to June 14 in the current fiscal year. In the same period last year, the inflow was Rs 128.91 billion.
In the US dollars terms, remittance inflow has increased by 12.7 per cent to reach Rs 11.25 billion in the review period compared to an increase of 15.2 per cent in the same period last year.
Likewise, net secondary income (net transfer) has reached Rs 1,668 billion in the review period. It was Rs 1,443 billion in the same period last fiscal year.
According to the report, number of Nepali workers – both institutional and individual who took first-time approval for foreign employment was 452,324 while those obtaining approval for renew entry was 308,067 in number.
Last year, the numbers were 421,356 and 261,210, respectively.
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PM, ministers leave for Rasuwa to inspect flood damages
Kathmandu, July 8: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has traveled to Rasuwa to inspect the damages caused by devastating floods in the Lhende Stream and the Bhotekoshi River along the Nepal-China border.
He is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka, and the Prime Minister’s Chief Advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal.
Among others leaving for Rasuwa are Chief Secretary Eak Narayan Aryal, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song, Chief of Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel, Inspector General of Nepal Police Deepak Thapa, Inspector General of the Armed Police Force Raju Aryal, and Chief of the National Investigation Department Hutraj Thapa.
Meantime, the reports from Rasuwa stated that 57 people were entrapped in the floods and landslides from the Lhende Stream last night.
Among them, 30 were rescued by a Nepal Army helicopter. Eighteen people remain missing, including three police personnel: Lal Bahadur Shrestha, Munna Thakur, and Lokendra Bohora.
The District Administration Office, Rasuwa, confirmed that other missing individuals include Jipan Chaudhary, Santosh Dahit, Buddhiram Tharu, Laxmi Narayan Tharu, and Suresh Tharu from Bardiya, and Naresh BK from Baglung. Phurba Lama from Sindhupalchowk and two others: Govinda Moktan and Lokman Tamang whose addresses are yet to be confirmed. Among the missing are six Chinese nationals.
The Directorate of Public Relations of the Nepali Army stated that 294 army personnel from Dhading and additional troops from Rasuwa have been deployed across 17 locations to search for the missing.
Meanwhile, human body parts have been found in four separate locations along the Trishuli River that also experienced a severe flood last night.
Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, reported that the flooding has caused significant damage to the under-construction dry port at Timure in Rasuwagadhi. Around 75% of the project, funded by the Government of China, had already been completed. The minister said the government will request China’s assistance to restore the damaged facility.
Electric vehicles kept at the dry port are believed to have been washed away by the flood.
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