PM Oli to cut short US visit amid flood crisis

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is currently on an official visit to the United States to participate in the United Nations General Assembly, has expressed concern over the ongoing natural disasters in Nepal. Heavy rains, floods, and landslides have ravaged various parts of the country, including the Kathmandu Valley, leaving significant devastation in their wake.

Sources have revealed that while Prime Minister Oli was initially scheduled to return to Nepal on September 30, his itinerary was extended to accommodate additional high-level meetings. However, given the gravity of the situation back home, he has decided to cut short his visit.

"Some of the Prime Minister's programs and high-level meetings were added during his visit to America. However, after the natural calamity in Nepal caused a huge loss of life and property, he has decided to return earlier," a source told ApEx.

As of now, the Ministry of Home Affairs has reported 87 fatalities, with 72 people still missing due to floods and landslides. Prime Minister Oli, from the United States, directed Acting Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal to expedite rescue and relief operations. He also urged coordination among the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, and the Armed Police Force to mitigate the disaster's impact.

Nepal has been battling nonstop rains for several days, which have triggered deadly landslides and inundated many parts of the country. The government is currently mobilizing resources to assist affected communities as rescue operations continue.