Govt to unveil relief package to flood victims

The Central Natural Disaster Rescue Committee headed by the Prime Minister, has directed the concerned authorities and the special committee formed to support the Koshi flood victims to prepare a relief package by Sunday.

Committee's meeting held Thursday in Kathmandu also discussed the efforts being made for resumption of transportation along the east-west highway that has been blocked since the breakage of Koshi embankment.

The government directed the local authorities in eastern districts to seek alternative routes for the transportation, which has been obstructed after the floods swept away some 10 km of east-west highway. Few passenger buses used Indian routes to reach western districts and Kathmandu. There were reports of the buses looted.

Finance Minister Dr Babu Ram Bhattarai told reporters after the meeting that the high level special committee, which includes Defense Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa and Minister for Physical Planning and Works Bijaya Kumar Gachchhadar, has been directed to prepare a complete package of the government support to the flood victims.

A cabinet meeting to be held on Monday is likely to endorse the package programme as local authorities plan to resettle in new areas. According to ministers, the government will announce short, medium and long term assistance packages.

Meanwhile, Constituent Assembly Chairman Subas Chandra Nemwang called a 25-party meeting, discussing possible support that CA can provide to the victims. nepalnews.com ia Aug 28 08