Jensen Huang, Chief Executive Officer of US technology giant Nvidia, has contributed $10 million to Nepal's Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund. This substantial donation aims to support individuals severely impacted by the recent devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi River basin, located within Rasuwa district, Nepal.
Nepal's Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle confirmed Huang's generosity in a video message, noting the contribution pushed total donations to the Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund past NPR 10 billion, equivalent to $66 million. Wagle expressed profound gratitude, stating, "On behalf of the government of Nepal, I'd like to express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Jensen Huang for donating $10 million to the Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund in aid of flood victims." He added hope that this "sizable contribution, notable by any philanthropic standard, will inspire many others to also contribute to this noble cause."
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) provided a somber update by Thursday evening: the deadly Rasuwa floods have claimed 1,259 lives, with 5,053 people still reported missing.
Following last week's catastrophe, Nepal has received various forms of international assistance. Prime Minister Balendra Shah highlighted India's consistent support from the outset, including 74 tonnes of relief and rescue materials provided in five phases, alongside expert teams deployed for rescue operations. China has supplied NPR 300 million and 50 tonnes of relief materials, with Nepal additionally requesting 30 Bailey bridges. Pakistan is providing 86 tonnes of relief materials.
Other nations and organizations have also pledged significant aid. Sri Lanka committed $1 million, while Bangladesh prepares its relief shipments. The United States pledged $500,000. Australia committed $1 million in cash and plans to send a team, including experts and drone operators. The United Arab Emirates has already delivered 83 tonnes of essential relief and pledged up to $10 million. Qatar provided 40 tonnes of relief materials. The United Kingdom announced 5 million pounds sterling, and the European Union's Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) committed 2 million euro. Switzerland, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, the Czech Republic, and Norway also pledged $1 million, 3.5 million Danish kroner, $2 million, 500,000 euro, 2.5 million Czech koruna, and 12.7 million Norwegian kroner respectively. France dispatched emergency relief for 200 households, and Luxembourg and Latvia also provided materials.
Financial institutions are contributing as well. The World Bank pledged $167 million in concessional loans, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) committed $5 million in budgetary support (grant) and $150,000 for technical assistance.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Mangalorean News