Over Rs. 2.29 billion donated to Disaster Relief Fund in 2 days

ADB approves Rs. 750 million in grant

 

Kathmandu, Aug. 28

More than Rs 2.295 billion has been raised for the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund (PMDRF) by Friday evening.

It received Rs. 1.91 billion within a period of 36 hours from Wednesday afternoon to Thursday midnight while assistance worth Rs. 385.5 million was donated on Friday.

The Ministry of Finance (MoF) informed that donors deposited the amount into accounts held at 10 different commercial banks during the period.

After the Bhote Koshi River flowing along the Nepal-China border was hit by severe flooding on Wednesday morning, causing extensive loss of life and property, the government declared the affected areas disaster zones. Following the decision, individuals and organisations began contributing to the Fund.

The government has designated the MoF as the focal ministry for collecting contributions to the PMDRF and coordinating the assistance. Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has been personally accepting contributions of Rs. 10 million or more from institutional donors, Minister's Secretariat informed.

Similarly, individual donors can provide cash contributions by visiting the ministry in person.

With these contributions, the Fund’s balance has reached Rs 4.09 billion from Rs. 2.17 billion.

 

Surya Nepal, Raji Rana make largest donations

The PMDRF received assistance worth Rs. 385.5 million from 27 organisations and individuals on Friday alone.

Surya Nepal Pvt. Ltd. contributed Rs. 150 million and handed over a cheque for the amount to FM Dr. Wagle.

According to the MoF, this is the largest contribution from the private sector to the Fund among donations made with prior notification to the government.

Surya Nepal Managing Director Gaurav Tayal, Vice-Presidents Dipra Laheri and Ravi KC, and General Manager Prem Aryal had reached the Ministry to hand over the cheque

Likewise, Raji Rana has provided Rs. 10.9 million in financial assistance to the Fund, making it the largest donations made to the relief fund by an individual.

Rana, 87, a businessperson, sent the donation through her associate Krishna Basnet.

On the occasion, employees working at Rana’s office also contributed Rs. 80,000 from their own resources. Rana is also preparing to provide in-kind assistance, including goods and food supplies, worth an additional Rs. 2.5 million.

Former president of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) RK Sharma has contributed Rs 2.5 million to the Fund. Sharma, who is also Chairman of Pigeon Engineering Group, said in a statement that the contribution was less about the amount and more a small expression of the emotional bond and responsibility felt by Nepalis towards their country during times of crisis.

Padma Jyoti Group contributed Rs. 10 million to the PMDRF.

 

ADB approves Rs. 750 million emergency grant

On Friday, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a US$5 million (Rs. 750 million) emergency grant to fund urgent rescue and relief operations in the disaster hit areas.

“This $5 million grant is a promise kept. When people in our member countries need us, we will be there for them. The losses are devastating and are still being counted but this will help get food, safe water, shelter, medicine, and other urgent support to people who need it now.” said ADB President Masato Kanda.

The multilateral donor informed in a statement that the grant, financed through ADB’s Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund, will help pay for search and rescue equipment, medical supplies, food, safe drinking water, temporary shelter, sanitation and hygiene supplies, debris clearance, emergency stabilization work, and logistical support.

 

Arya donates medicines worth Rs. 8.25 million

Arya Pharma has provided medicines worth Rs. 8.25 million for health posts and health workers operating in flood- and disaster-affected areas.

"With the aim of supporting the rescue, relief and healthcare treatment of citizens and families affected by floods and natural disasters, we have provided essential medicines to the government," it said in a statement. The company has also expressed its commitment to provide medical equipment and medicines as assistance if further support is required for the healthcare treatment of affected citizens.

Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Kathmandu said that the US is delivering a range of supplies requested by the government. IT sent the first shipment of emergency supplies to the flood-affected areas.

According to the embassy, Catholic Relief Services working through Caritas Nepal, will deliver more than 2.5 tonnes of food supplies, 500 blankets, 500 mosquito nets, and 500 insulating foam sheets for temporary shelter flooring to two school locations in Rasuwa.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 29 August 2026.