In my latest #TharoorThink column for the @IndianExpress today, I raise the question of whether India, China and Nepal can cooperate together in managing their shared mountain ecosystem. Nepal is paying the price for what others have contributed to global warming; giving them data and advance information is the least its neighbours can do to help them cope.
I am deeply saddened by the devastating floods that have struck the Rasuwagadhi border area and other parts of northern Nepal, bringing immense loss and hardship. My heart goes out to the families who have lost loved ones, those still waiting anxiously for news, and everyone whose lives have been upended.
I am also grateful to the rescue workers and first responders supporting communities through these difficult days.
I have reached out to Prime Minister Balendra Shah to let him know that ADB stands with him, the people, and the Government of Nepal. ADB is ready to provide emergency grant support through the Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund to help meet urgent needs, while our teams continue working closely with the government on the response.
Beyond the immediate emergency, we will continue supporting Nepal in strengthening preparedness and resilience through better risk assessments, early warning systems, and more resilient infrastructure to help protect lives.