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Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has instructed the Nepalis embassies in Israel and Lebanon to closely monitor the situation of Nepalis there amid increasing concerns about their safety.

The minister held virtual meetings with the Nepali ambassadors in these countries on Sunday, and took information about the latest developments in these countries.

On the occasion, Minister Rana directed maintaining contact with Nepalis there, stressing the need for effective communications and assistance for them.

"Try to get in touch with all Nepalis there. Coordinate for those who want to return home. Do the necessary homework for any rescue and repatriation efforts," she directed.

Minister Rana also directed the issuance of official notices to the respective embassies, instructing them to appoint contact persons and establish help desks for any rescue and repatriation efforts.

Nepal's Ambassador to Egypt Sushil Lamsal informed about the latest situation in Lebanon, confirming the safety of Nepalis there.

It is estimated that around 1,200 Nepali people are there with most of them serving as domestic helpers. Based on information issued by the embassy, only three Nepali individuals have come in contact and they are safe in Beirut, he said, adding that no Nepalis in these countries are reported to be in trouble.

Similarly, Charge d'Affaires to Israel, Kumar Shrestha, said that the situation in Israel is normal and about 4,500 Nepalis there are safe. Additionally, Nepal's Ambassador to Pakistan, Tapas Adhikari updated on the latest situation in Iran.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has underlined the need for all sides' efforts to cope with disaster.

PM Oli said it while receiving a memorandum submitted by the CPN (Maoist Center) at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Singh Durbar, on Sunday.

The Maoist Center drew the PM's attention on making systematic the works of search, rescue and relief distribution in response to the recent floods and landslides that took toll in many districts.

PM Oli vowed the government would take a lead in togetherness for disaster risk reductions. The problems facing the country due to disaster can be tackled together, he added.

Senior Vice Chairman of the Maoist Center, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, said all sectors should play their roles for disaster preparedness, and post-disaster works as search, rescue and relief distribution. Response to disaster is the collective responsibility, he added, expressing commitment that his party was ready to work together with the government for disaster management.

Also accompanying Senior Vice Chairman Shrestha were leaders Agni Sapkota, Dev Prasad Gurung, Barsha Man Pun, Janardan Sharma, and Pampha Bhusal, among others.

Even Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak was present on the occasion.

More than Rs 30 million have been deposited to the Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund on Friday itself. 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officers of various government and private financial institutions met Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at his office in Singha Durbar today and handed over the cheques as their institutional support to the fund.

Rs 15 million was provided by the Agriculture Development Bank, Rs 5.1 million from the Citizen Investment Fund, Rs 2.5 million from the SBI Bank, Rs 3.1 million from the Life Insurance Corporation, Rs 2.5 million from the Nepal Infrastructure Development Bank, Rs 1.5 million from the Oriental Insurance, and Rs. 5.1 million by the CIMEX INC (BYD).

On this occasion, Prime Minister Oli thanked the contributors and expressed hope that the support received in the fund would contribute to the distribution of relief to the flood survivors.

The Council of Ministers meeting last Monday had decided to initially deposit Rs one billion in the fund from the government side.

The fund is getting enriched from other organizations and individuals.

National Assembly Chair Narayan Dahal called on President Ram Chandra Paudel at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, Shital Niwas today.

On the occasion, the upper house chairman informed the Head of State about his participation in the 149th Assembly of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

Chair Dahal is leaving for Switzerland on October 11, leading a Nepali delegation to the IPU Assembly to be held there from October 13-17.

The General Debate of the IPU Assembly will focus on the overall theme "Harnessing science, technology and innovation (STI) for a more peaceful and sustainable future" and provide a platform for delegates to deliberate, exchange views and galvanize parliamentary action.

The Assembly will adopt resolutions on the emergency item and on the subject item taken up by the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights entitled "The impact of artificial intelligence on democracy, human rights and the rule of law". The Assembly is expected to conclude with the adoption of an outcome document on the overall theme of the General Debate, the IPU has stated on its website.