In a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, the Punjab State Red Cross has once again taken the lead in extending humanitarian assistance to the victims of the devastating flash floods in Nepal. The second consignment of relief material, comprising trucks loaded with essential supplies worth approximately ₹38 lakh, was flagged off today by the Governor of Punjab and President, Punjab State Red Cross, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, from Punjab Lok Bhavan, Chandigarh.
Earlier, the Punjab State Red Cross had also sent two trucks loaded with relief material to Nepal as part of its humanitarian response to the flood situation. With today’s dispatch, the Punjab State Red Cross has further strengthened its relief efforts and continued its support for the affected communities in Nepal.
The relief material is being sent through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), in coordination with the Nepal Red Cross Society. This marks a significant humanitarian initiative by the Punjab State Red Cross to extend assistance beyond national borders and support communities affected by a major natural disaster.
The Punjab State Red Cross has been in regular contact with the National Headquarters of the Indian Red Cross Society and the authorities of the Nepal Red Cross Society to assess the emerging requirements of the flood-affected population. The relief material being dispatched today has been prepared in accordance with the specific requirements communicated by the Nepal Red Cross, ensuring that the assistance reaches those who need it most.
A team of the Punjab State Red Cross will accompany and escort the fleet of relief-material-laden trucks to Nepalgunj International Border, where the consignment will be formally handed over to representatives of the IFRC and Nepal Red Cross Society for further distribution among the affected communities.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria said that the Punjab State Red Cross and the people of Punjab stand firmly in solidarity with the communities affected by the devastating floods in Nepal. He said that humanitarian assistance transcends geographical boundaries and that Punjab has always believed in extending a helping hand to people facing difficult times.
The Governor said that the continued relief efforts by the Punjab State Red Cross reflect the spirit of humanity, compassion and service, and reaffirm Punjab’s commitment to supporting people affected by natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies.
The Governor also expressed his gratitude to all the donors who have contributed wholeheartedly towards the massive relief effort for the flash flood victims in Nepal. He particularly appreciated the valuable support extended by Donatekart and other contributors, whose generous assistance has helped strengthen this humanitarian initiative.
The Punjab State Red Cross authorities said that they would continue to remain in coordination with the Red Cross Movement and assess further requirements so that appropriate assistance can be extended to the flood-affected population in Nepal.
Also present on the occasion were Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor of Punjab, Shri Vivek Partap Singh, and Secretary, Punjab Red Cross Society, Shri Shivdular Singh Dhillon.
