SATV, Kathmandu, Aug. 31: The Chinese government has expressed deep sorrow over the loss and damage suffered by Nepal in the floods that struck Rasuwa, and downstream districts. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang conveyed a message through Ambassador to Nepal Zhang Maoming that Nepal is not alone in this disaster and that China will always stand by Nepal. He conveyed the message to the Government of Nepal during a meeting with Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle at the Ministry of Finance (MoF) on Sunday, where he handed over the assistance announced by the Chinese Government for the Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund (PMDRF).

“President Xi and Premier Li have expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Nepali citizens in the disaster. They have paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the floods,” Ambassador Zhang said, and added, “Nepal is not alone in this hour of grief. China stands with Nepal and the Nepali people.” 

According to him, the Chinese government would continue its support for rescue and relief efforts in Nepal following the disaster.

During his meeting with FM Dr. Wagle, Ambassador Zhang handed over a cheque of about Rs. 300 million (US$2 million) on behalf of the Chinese Government, a cash contribution of Rs. 30.6 million (US$200,000) provided by the Chinese Red Cross. Handing over the relief funds, Ambassador Zhang said Nepal and China would work together to confront the disaster caused by the massive calamity in the Himalayan region. He said that two Chinese aircraft had arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday carrying 50 tonnes of relief supplies, including tents, blankets, sleeping bags, medical kits and biscuits. He said further assistance would also continue to be provided. 

According to the Finance Minster's Secretariat, he also informed that efforts were under way to bring back Nepali nationals stranded on the Chinese side following the floods in Rasuwa, via the Korala border point in Mustang.

Similarly, Ambassador Zhang said that a team of skilled Chinese personnel, along with a helicopter, had arrived in Nepal the previous day to assist in the rescue of people trapped inside a hydropower company's tunnel. He added that additional specialist rescue technicians had arrived in Nepal on Sunday. "The Chinese government is working rapidly to bring to Nepal heavy-lift drones capable of transporting large quantities of supplies, as requested by the Nepal for rescue operations," he said.