Nepal Foreign Minister: Data Shared by China Aiding Disaster Management
Kathmandu (ANTARA) - Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Shisir Khanal, stated that satellite data and other monitoring information shared by China following devastating landslides is supporting ongoing disaster response efforts in Nepal and helping authorities monitor further risks that could cause additional damage.
“China almost always provides real-time information to Nepal so that we can remain vigilant against potential future disasters,” Khanal told Xinhua in an exclusive interview on Wednesday (2/9).
According to Khanal, China expressed support for Nepal at various levels immediately after the disaster. He noted that when needs arose, Nepal requested humanitarian supplies and technical assistance from China, to which the Chinese side responded positively.
“We are very grateful for the highly proactive support that the Chinese government has provided to us at this time,” he said.
Khanal called for stronger Nepal-China cooperation in studying, preserving, and restoring the Himalayan ecosystem, as well as in preparing for similar risks in the future.
The Chinese government has provided emergency cash assistance and humanitarian aid to Nepal, sending three batches of supplies to Kathmandu, and deploying tunnel rescue and DNA identification experts to support relief efforts in Nepal.
“Therefore, the Chinese government has provided us with all forms of support,” said Khanal.
Khanal noted that rescue operations remain extremely difficult because roads and bridges leading to the affected areas are severely damaged, leaving some regions entirely inaccessible by land.
“Our people active in the rescue operations are facing difficulties, but they continue to work to save lives,” he said.
He explained that hundreds of Nepali citizens who were on the Chinese side of the border for trade or tourism at the time of the disaster have been identified and well-accommodated by Chinese authorities. He added that Nepal is prepared to assist any Chinese citizens affected on the Nepali side.
“We always say that our two countries are connected by mountains and rivers,” Khanal said, adding that the disasters affecting both sides of the border demonstrate how closely the two nations are linked.
“This disaster shows us that our destinies are intertwined,” said Khanal.
Khanal expressed hope that Nepal and China would jointly call upon nations worldwide to address the challenges posed by rising temperatures and climate change, and their impact on the ecosystems of both countries.
“The Himalayan ecosystem is our shared future,” he said, while calling for both nations to strengthen regional and global cooperation to help preserve their civilisational heritage.