Kathmandu - On the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami, Prime Minister Balendra Shah has expressed deep emotion toward children affected by the Rasuwa-Bhotekoshi floods, saying that the government remains committed to their safety, recovery, and brighter future.
In a message issued on Janmashtami, Prime Minister Shah noted that while young children across the country were celebrating the festival dressed as Radha and Krishna, children in the flood-affected areas were instead enduring pain after losing their parents, relatives, homes, schools, and places where they once played.
Prime Minister Shah said that, in the aftermath of the disaster, the eyes of some children may still be searching for their parents and relatives, while many others may still be struggling to understand what happened so suddenly.
He said, “Indeed, the country is grieving today. How many friends have been separated from us. How many homes and settlements have been reduced to ruins. The playgrounds where children used to play have been buried.”
According to the Prime Minister, immediately after the floods, children were given priority in rescue operations alongside critically injured people, pregnant women, postpartum mothers, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens. He said that the rescue and relief efforts are still continuing.
Children displaced by the disaster are currently staying at holding centres established in the affected areas. Acknowledging that such accommodation is not easy for them, Prime Minister Shah pledged that safe and comfortable living arrangements would be established as soon as possible and that an environment would be created where the children could once again dream about their future.
“You are the bright rays of tomorrow. We are working for your safe future,” Shah said.
PM Urges Children to Learn Disaster Preparedness
Prime Minister Shah said that the effects of climate change have already become significant in the Himalayan region and stressed that the international community must continue to be informed about the disaster risks and suffering faced by Nepal.
As residents of a Himalayan country, he said, people must always remain alert to disasters. While children in the affected areas have directly experienced the consequences of disaster, children in other parts of the country should also remain equally vigilant and learn how to confront disasters, stay safe, and help save others for the sake of their future.
The Prime Minister encouraged children to begin with three basic measures for disaster preparedness.
First, prepare a ‘disaster bag.’ He urged families to keep a disaster bag in a place that everyone can easily access, containing small and lightweight essentials such as bandages, necessary medicines, drinking water, dry food, and some cash.
Second, develop the habit of saving small amounts. He encouraged children to start saving today for disasters that may occur tomorrow. Even saving just one rupee a day, he noted, could amount to a significant sum if children across Nepal saved collectively for a year.
Third, study and discuss climate change. He urged children to learn what climate change is and how it is affecting Nepal, discuss these issues with one another, and take the lead in raising public awareness.
He described these as only some of the initial steps that children themselves can take.
13,095 People Rescued, PM Says
In his message, Prime Minister Shah stated that 13,095 parents, brothers, sisters, and other people affected by the disaster had been rescued.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, Nepal, and other expert teams who have been working around the clock, risking their own lives in rescue operations.
He also expressed gratitude to Nepalis living abroad, friendly nations, and development partner organizations for their significant assistance during the disaster.
The Language of Disaster Is Destruction; Our Response Must Be Unity
Prime Minister Shah said that although the language of disaster is destruction and suffering, people must respond to crises with a spirit of unity, harmony, and brotherhood.
Recalling the teachings associated with Lord Krishna, he said that people should not give up or remain hopeless during times of struggle and disaster, but should move forward with patience, a sense of duty, and unity.
“We will not stop,” Shah said firmly.
He called on all Nepalis to work together to confront the disaster and contribute to building a safer, stronger, and brighter Nepal.
At a time when the Rasuwa-Bhotekoshi disaster has deeply affected children, families, communities, and critical infrastructure, the Prime Minister’s message also highlights the need for long-term recovery, child protection, disaster preparedness, and the development of a climate-resilient Nepal, alongside immediate rescue and relief efforts.
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