Kathmandu – At the request of the Nepali government, China’s Ministry of Emergency Management on Saturday urgently dispatched five tunnel rescue experts to Nepal to support ongoing rescue operations in a flood-affected area.
The experts flew by helicopter from Gyirong in southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region to the disaster-hit area, arriving at 14:43 Nepali Time, and immediately joined the tunnel rescue operation at a hydropower station in Nepal.
Another four Chinese tunnel experts are expected to be dispatched to Nepal soon in response to the needs of the rescue operation.
The deployment came as Nepal and China continued to coordinate rescue and relief efforts following devastating floods in the Rasuwa – Jilong border area, which caused loss of life and property on both sides.
Earlier on Saturday, Nepali Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal held a telephone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during which the two sides expressed deep sorrow over the casualties and losses caused by the floods. They offered condolences to the families of the victims and discussed ongoing search, rescue and relief operations in affected areas.
The two ministers also discussed the rescue and repatriation of Nepali citizens stranded in China due to the floods.
Khanal conveyed Nepal’s appreciation to the Chinese government for providing emergency humanitarian assistance and support during the disaster.
The two sides also discussed strengthening the real-time exchange of hydrological and meteorological data. They emphasized greater cooperation in developing effective early-warning systems and strengthening existing mechanisms between the two countries to reduce disaster risks in the future.
Nepal and China agreed to maintain continued coordination and cooperation in disaster management, information sharing and early-warning systems.
Photo source : Chinese Embassy in Nepal
