Issued by ASEC Chair Dr Eri Trinurin
“The Asian Solidarity Economic Council (ASEC) of South Asia expresses our deepest condolences and heartfelt solidarity with all those who have lost their lives, homes, livelihoods and loved ones in the devastating floods and related disasters in Nepal and Tibet, including the many foreign pilgrims and tourists caught in this tragedy.
What looks like a scene from a disaster movie is now the harsh reality for communities in northern Nepal. Torrential floodwaters have reportedly swept away bridges, damaged roads and isolated several communities. More than 50,000 people are believed to have been impacted, as rescue and relief operations continue.
The increasing frequency and intensity of such disasters across South Asia cannot be viewed merely as acts of nature. Much of the devastation is aggravated by unprecedented environmental degradation, driven by human greed, reckless development and disregard for ecological balance.
This tragedy must awaken all South Asians to the urgent need for regional cooperation to protect, restore and regenerate our shared environment and build a safer future.
At this hour of heartbreaking calamity, we call upon all stakeholders to come together and extend every possible financial, material and humanitarian assistance to those affected. If any of our friends or colleagues in Nepal are directly involved in relief and rehabilitation work, please let us know. We would be glad to explore ways of extending solidarity and support. In solidarity, compassion and peace”.
In WhatsApp messages Mr. Bhola Bhattarai, our ASEC partner in Nepal acknowledged the destruction to human life and property. He wrote “it has been a devastating flood that we are facing. At this moment, we do not yet have the exact number of casualties or the extent of the loss of property and infrastructure. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragic disaster. Please keep the affected families and communities in your prayers. We sincerely hope for the safety of those still at risk and strength for those who have lost their loved ones, homes, and livelihoods”
Bhola went to write “Thank you, Kumar and Dr Eri for your concern. We are fine in KTM but in other affected areas many people are still waiting to be rescued . Please keep the affected families in your prayers. Thank you once again”
Join Hands for Immediate Action on The Rasuwa Flood
