Breach of Sunsari embankment displaces over 35,000

Kathmandu, Aug 20 : The Indian Embassy in Nepal has claimed that the Nepal administration's failure to cooperate with the Indian technical team working at Saptakoshi embankment caused the inundation in Sunsari, which has caused the displacement of over 35 thousand people.

"The Indian technical team has been in Nepal for last several days to reinforce and strengthen the spurs and the embankment on the Saptkoshi River in consultation with the local administration," said a statement issued on Tuesday evening by the Indian Embassy.

"Despite repeated requests and pleas by the technical team for urgent local support in view of the gravity of the situation, the support from local administration had not been forthcoming. As a result, the work was frequently delayed," statement added.

The statement said concerns of the Indian technical team and the gravity of the situation were conveyed by the Embassy to the local administration and central authorities on August 17and their cooperation and support was sought.

"At the same time, the Indian technical team was directed to carry out the work on day-and-night basis," statement added.

"The Indian technical team mobilised required resources and has remained in readiness to carry out the required work to strengthen the embankment but it was prevented from reaching the site," the statement said, adding that "As a result, thousands of people in Nepal and India have been forced to suffer a calamity that could have been avoided."

The statement further said that it is in constant touch with the concerned authorities in Nepal and India and has proposed specific action to contain and close the breach in the embankment.

"While the Indian technical team is ready to undertake protective measures, this will become possible only if it receives necessary cooperation from the Government of Nepal and support from the local people," it added.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Prachanda along with a team of various political party leaders reached Sunsari to inspect the Koshi flood affected people.

Prachanda also announced Rs 20 million relief aid for the affected families from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund. Nepalnews reported.

ANI