Rijal on Wednesday said that many national and international organisations and individuals are approaching the government with relief materials. “We are collecting relief funds from abroad in our bank account. We ask them not to hurry and come through official channels,” said Rijal. He also requested that transparency be maintained while providing relief.  

Though the government is gradually shifting to relief mode from search-and-rescue operations, relief materials remain inadequate, said Rijal. There is a need for half a million tents to build temporary shelters for the affected. More tents will be brought in from India and Thailand by Thursday, he said, adding that the government had requested diplomatic missions abroad to collect more tents. Rijal further clarified that the government had not rejected any assistance; it only sought to streamline aid into some priority areas. A mechanism has now been set up to record the relief packages that the government receives and disburses, informed Rijal.