Kathmandu__
Ncell has announced a further seven-day extension of its free voice, data and SMS services in areas affected by the Bhotekoshi River flood in Rasuwa.
The free services, aimed at facilitating communication and supporting search, rescue and relief operations, will remain available from September 5 to September 11.
Ncell had initially announced three days of free voice, data and SMS services in the affected areas on August 26, the day of the flood. The service period was subsequently extended by seven days until September 4.
“Ensuring uninterrupted communication during this difficult time is important, which is why we have decided to extend the free services in the affected areas for another seven days,” said Upanga Dutta, Chief Consumer Business Officer of Ncell.
He said 92% of the affected sites had already been restored and expressed confidence that the free services would help affected communities remain connected with their families and loved ones while supporting effective coordination among rescue and relief teams.
Communication services play a vital role during disasters by enabling information exchange, coordination, search and rescue operations, and relief distribution.
Ncell said the free services have been helping people in affected communities stay connected with family members, relatives and teams involved in rescue and relief operations.
92% of affected sites restored
Ncell said it has restored 92% of its sites affected by the Bhotekoshi flood and continues to provide services in the affected areas. The company said work was underway to restore the remaining affected sites.
A total of 27 Ncell sites were affected by the flood. On Thursday, the company restored its 25th affected site in Trishuli, Nuwakot.
One site at Ghatte Khola in Timure, Rasuwa, was completely destroyed by the flood. For another site at Tiru in Uttargaya Rural Municipality, Rasuwa, Ncell is coordinating the transportation of necessary equipment by helicopter to restore services.
Ncell said it has continued supporting efforts to maintain communication services during disasters, as well as search, rescue, relief and public awareness initiatives.
The company has also been disseminating information issued by relevant authorities through SMS, call tones and its social media platforms.
The day after the flood, Ncell, through the Ncell Foundation, contributed Rs. 10 million to the Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund to support search, rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts.