KATHMANDU: Nepal’s mountaineering and expedition operators have joined hands to support victims of the Bhotekoshi disaster in Rasuwa, contributing more than Rs 4 million to relief efforts through the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund.
The Expedition Operators Association Nepal (EOAN) contributed Rs 1,111,111 following a decision of its executive committee, while several member companies voluntarily contributed additional funds.
According to EOAN, the contributions were handed over to Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadak Raj Paudel for deposit into the government’s disaster relief fund.
EOAN President Damber Parajuli said the support was aimed at helping families affected by the disaster and reflected the social and humanitarian responsibility of Nepal’s mountain tourism community.
“Standing with grieving families is not only our social and humanitarian duty but also a national responsibility,” Parajuli said.
He added that EOAN and its member companies would continue supporting the government during national disasters and humanitarian emergencies.
Among the contributors, Tag Nepal Pvt. Ltd. donated Rs 1 million, while Satori Adventures Pvt. Ltd. and Shangri-La Nepal Treks Pvt. Ltd. contributed Rs 500,000 each. Iceland Treks and Expedition provided Rs 444,444, while Expedition Himalaya.com contributed Rs 55,555.
Similarly, Himalayan Guides Nepal contributed Rs 101,000 and Snowy Horizon Treks provided Rs 111,111. Another EOAN member agency, 8K Expeditions, had already contributed Rs 222,222 to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.
Mingma Gelu Sherpa, Managing Director of Seven Summit Adventure, also distributed 500 rain jackets in the flood-affected area and contributed Rs 511,111 to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund.
EOAN General Secretary Rishi Bhandari said the contributions represented solidarity from Nepal’s mountain tourism industry with communities affected by the disaster.
Bhandari expressed condolences to those who lost their lives and solidarity with displaced families, noting that the disaster in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river areas caused significant loss of life and property.
EOAN praised the government’s ongoing search, rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts and pledged continued cooperation in responding to future national disasters and humanitarian crises.
