Dahal requests Regmi to increase financial relief to flood victims

KATHMANDU, JUN 21 - UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal called on Chairman of Interim Election Government Khil Raj Regmi to discuss the government initiatives to mitigate the damage caused by floods and landslides across the country.

During the meeting at the latter's residence in Baluwatar on Friday morning, the duo held discussion on the situation of flood-hit districts and the victims affected by rain havoc in Far and Mid-Western regions of the country. He also urged Regmi to find out the reason behind the devastating floods in the country.

The meeting came a day after Regmi along with other government ministers visited flood ravaged Khalanga of Darchula district and met victims of flooding in the Mahakali river.

Political parties have been claiming that the floods in Darchula district was caused by the opening of floodgates of Dhouliganga dam by India. Dahal urged Regmi to raise the issue and hold talks with Indian side in this regard.

Also on the occasion, Dahal thanked Regmi for pledging Rs 500 million for Darchula district in the upcoming budget and announcing a financial relief of Rs 35,000 each to the families affected by floods and landslides in the district.

Dahal drew the attention of Regmi towards providing relief to the people affected by floods in other western districts including Kalikot, Kailali and Kanchanpur.

He said the financial relief should be increased to Rs 100,000 from the existing Rs 35,000 and that the flood-ravaged areas should be announced disaster area.

Likewise, he also requested Regmi to manage Nepal Army's helicopter for the visit of top leaders of major political parties for site inspection of flood-ravaged area.

According to the Home Ministery, at least 39 people lost their lives and 19 others have gone missing and around 4000 people have been displaced by the floods and landslides in Mid and Far Western regions of the country.

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