Kathmandu. President Ram Chandra Poudel addressed the nation on Monday. The President addressed the nation at 3:30 pm onMonday.

In his address to the nation, President Poud el assured that the search and rescue of the people who have gone missing due to floods and those who are waiting for } are continuing.

Poudel also urged the political parties, people’s representatives, civil society, associations involved in humanitarian assistance and rescue, organizations, private sector, business community and all citizens to unite at this time.

Here is the full text of the President’s address

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Today, at this difficult and sad time when we Nepalis are going through a very deep grief and pain, I am here to say something to you.

At this time, Nepal is facing a catastrophic natural disaster. On 10th September 2008, the devastating floods caused by the glacial avalanche with ice and rocks have brought unimaginable pain to the Nepalese people. This disaster has swept away countless human lives, families, and livelihood bases, as well as caused extensive damage to roads and bridges. It has also caused serious damage to the country’s critical infrastructure, including hydropower projects.

Today, the whole nation is mourning this terrible disaster. I express my heartfelt condolences to all the people who lost their lives in this disaster and express my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members. I wish for the speedy recovery of the injured and the search and rescue operations of the missing people as soon as possible. I express my high respect to the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, health workers, local people’s representatives, employees, volunteers and all the individuals and organizations involved in the rescue and relief work.

Many of those involved in the rescue work have entered a very risky area to rescue the affected and affected civilians without even caring for their own lives. In fact, I would like to proudly state here that their indomitable courage, dedication and service represent the best humanitarian spirit and national character of Nepal, but the difficult geographical conditions, damaged roads and unstable and dangerous conditions should not be a reason to halt or abandon the search and rescue operations of missing people.

Every foreign citizen working in Nepal, a tourist, trekking in the Himalayas or on a spiritual journey in Nepal who has lost their lives due to this calamity; We also express our heartfelt condolences to them. On behalf of Nepal, I express my heartfelt condolences to all the families who have lost their loved ones.

Nepal regards every person on its territory as a member of its family. We will cooperate with the governments and diplomatic missions of the concerned countries where the affected citizens are affected. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our neighbours and all the members of the international community for their prompt support and cooperation by providing immediate search and rescue manpower, technical experts, medical teams and necessary equipment in the midst of this huge challenge that Nepal is facing.

We are in such deep pain right now; We have no words to alleviate it. To all those who are waiting for news from family members and friends, I want to assure you that the search and rescue operation will continue. The entire nation is feeling the pain of this moment of uncertainty that you are experiencing.

Every person rescued should have access to food, clean drinking water, safe shelter, necessary medical treatment and psychosocial services. At present, special attention needs to be paid to children, senior citizens, people with disabilities, pregnant women and other vulnerable and people in need of special protection.

At the same time, we must be especially aware and sensitive to ensure that temporary shelters are safe and dignified. In the case of both Nepali citizens and foreign nationals, it is necessary to provide accurate and reliable information to their families and to provide the necessary facilitation and humanitarian assistance to bring their loved ones home. I express confidence that the government is working in necessary coordination with all levels, agencies, structures and aspects, including the local level of the state, to carry out all these works more effectively.

Most importantly, we must ensure that those who lost their lives in this disaster are treated with dignity, respect and compassion. The identification of the dead must be done with utmost care, sensitivity and responsibility. I am confident that the government will pay special attention to making the identification process credible and systematic by safely preserving DNA samples and other related records as needed.

The pain of the citizens who have been left homeless, who have lost their loved ones, who have been displaced and have lost their livelihood in this natural calamity is very deep. Now they need the support of the state; I believe that the government, political parties and all civil society organizations are working for that and I want to assure you that I am with everyone in this hour of grief.

We know; It is the fundamental duty of a democratic state to listen to the voices of the citizens in distress and to be sensitive to their suffering. Therefore, I urge the government and all concerned agencies to take the grievances and demands of the victims not as criticism; as an important signal for a solution.

Friends of the International Community,

This catastrophe not only highlights the extraordinarily fragile state of our Himalayan ecology, but it has also reaffirmed our grave awareness of the ever-increasing global warming and the risks it poses. I call upon the international community not only to listen to the voices of ecologically affected countries, including Nepal; to take concrete and effective steps to ensure climate justice for them.

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

You remember; Nepal has faced earthquakes, floods, landslides, epidemics and various other disasters in the past. Every time, the Nepalese people have faced such difficult situations with extraordinary courage, patience, restraint and indomitable determination.

I heartily appeal to all political parties, elected representatives, civil society, humanitarian and rescue organizations, the private sector, the business community and all citizens to stand united in this difficult time. This is not the time for division. Nor is it the time to blame each other or get entangled in political disputes and confrontations. It is also a time to demonstrate national unity and solidarity. It is also a time for reconstruction, rehabilitation and economic revival. As we move into the process of reconstruction, rehabilitation and economic recovery, I feel that we need to rethink our development model as well.

I sincerely pray that God gives us all the strength and courage to overcome this unexpected and terrible calamity. Jai Nepal.