Nepal businesses rally millions of rupees for flood relief

Nepal's private sector has pledged and contributed millions of rupees to the government's disaster relief fund, as companies, banks, insurers, industry groups and individual philanthropists step up support for communities affected by a devastating flash flood.

Among the largest contributions, Surya Nepal Private Limited pledged Rs 150 million, while Chaudhary Group and Nabil Bank together provided more than Rs 150 million in financial and material assistance, says The Kathmandu Post.

The Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) handed over Rs 52.9 million raised through its member network under the coordination of CNI President Birendra Raj Pandey. Jyoti Group, through Padma Jyoti Group, pledged Rs 50 million to help affected communities recover and restore normalcy.

Banks and insurers have also made sizeable contributions. Prime Commercial Bank pledged Rs 30.1 million, Agricultural Development Bank contributed Rs 30 million and Nepal Life Insurance pledged Rs 25.1 million.

Other companies and individuals have pledged or contributed between Rs 10 million and Rs 11.1 million. Morang Auto Works (MAW Group) contributed Rs 11.1 million, while 87-year-old philanthropist Raji Rana personally donated Rs 10.98 million.

Asian Life Insurance and Agro Thai Foods each pledged Rs 10 million.

SuryaJyoti Life Insurance, Syakar Trading, Jawalakhel Distillery, Himalayan Distillery, Alpha Automotive and WF Nepal each pledged Rs 10 million, along with representatives of Solu Hydropower. Industrialist Bijay Kumar Shah also donated Rs 10 million personally.

The contributions are being channelled to the Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund to support rescue operations and provide food, shelter and medical assistance to displaced families.

The mobilisation has extended beyond large corporations, with businesses and employees pooling funds for the relief campaign.

Sanima Reliance Life Insurance pledged Rs 7.2 million, comprising Rs 5.1 million in corporate funds and Rs 2.1 million pooled from its board members and employees. The Nepal Cement Manufacturers' Association and Prabhu Mahalaxmi Life Insurance each contributed Rs 5.1 million, while Muktinath Bikas Bank pledged Rs 5 million.

MetLife Nepal contributed Rs 3 million. Lumbini Bikas Bank and Kamana Sewa Bikas Bank each pledged Rs 2.5 million, with Kamana Sewa's contribution including Rs 1.5 million raised through a one-day salary donation by its staff.

Nepal Tea Development Corporation pledged Rs 1.1 million, while Global IME Capital and Nepal Adarsha Nirman Company each pledged Rs 1 million.

Smaller businesses have also contributed to the campaign. Good Home Products gave Rs 221,000, British Colour Industries Rs 210,000, Langtang Re-Trekking Rs 112,000, KAS Trading and Silver Lining Rs 111,111 each, and Glocal Pvt Ltd Rs 50,000.

The contributions come as Nepal faces a major humanitarian and infrastructure crisis following a flash flood that struck on 26 Aug.

The flood, which originated in the Bhote Koshi-Trishuli river system, damaged at least 19 bridges and washed away about 40 km of roads along the Trishuli corridor and adjoining highways, isolating communities and forcing authorities to rely heavily on helicopters to deliver emergency assistance.

The disaster also damaged hydropower projects and markets in Rasuwa, with hundreds of workers feared trapped inside hydropower tunnels.

The confirmed death toll has risen to 626, while another 2,426 people remain unaccounted for. Bodies washed downstream have overwhelmed morgue capacity and made identification difficult.

The government has declined assistance from foreign rescue teams, saying its own security agencies are capable of handling search and recovery operations. It has also introduced new regulatory rules for foreign journalists covering the flooding.