Nepal debris flow disaster poses challenges to Prime Minister Shaha's response

[New Delhi Current Affairs] The unprecedented debris flow disaster that hit Nepal and China has become a major test for 36-year-old Prime Minister Shah, who took office in March. More than 6,300 people have died or are missing in the country. Some have complained about Shah, who is in charge of the response, relying solely on social media to disseminate information.

Chinese rescued from tunnel on 10th, including women - Nepal debris flow

``Disasters will happen again. We should always be on guard.'' ``Let's all fight against this disaster and build a safe and bright Nepal.'' Shah has been posting messages on Facebook every day since the disaster, explaining the rescue situation and encouraging the victims. On the other hand, there have been only a few visits to disaster-stricken areas or broadcasts to the public on television.

Political analyst Chandra Deb Bhatta praised the current government's swift response compared to past governments, but complained, ``When necessary, it is required to speak directly to the people.'' Pushkar Bharati (21), a student in the capital Kathmandu, said, ``It would be better to appear on national television so that it can reach even people who cannot read or write.''

The Shah government was initially criticized for reportedly refusing to accept foreign rescue teams. Batta speculates that they may have wanted to avoid a repeat of the 2015 earthquake that killed around 9,000 people, when countries sought to expand their influence through aid. Nepal has strived to maintain a balanced diplomacy between China and India, which share borders.

According to sources at Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Shah is expected to attend the general debate at the United Nations General Assembly in New York later this month to appeal for measures to combat climate change, which is behind the debris flows. If this happens, it will be his first overseas trip since taking office.