Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Donates $10 Million for Nepal Flood Relief
Kathmandu — Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang has donated $10 million to Nepal’s Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund to support victims of the devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi River basin in Rasuwa district, Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle said.
In a video message, Wagle thanked Huang for the contribution, saying it helped push total donations to the relief fund above 10 billion Nepalese rupees, or about $66 million.
“On behalf of the government of Nepal, I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Jensen Huang for donating $10 million to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund in aid of flood victims,” Wagle said. “I hope this sizable contribution, notable by any philanthropic standard, will inspire many others to also contribute to this noble cause.”
The death toll from the floods had reached 1,259 by Thursday evening, while 5,053 people remained missing, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.
Nepal has received assistance from governments and international organizations since the floods struck last week.
Prime Minister Balendra Shah said India had provided 74 tons of relief and rescue supplies in five phases and deployed specialist teams to assist with rescue operations.
China has provided 300 million Nepalese rupees and 50 tons of relief supplies. Nepal has also requested 30 Bailey bridges from China for flood-affected areas.
Pakistan is providing 86 tons of relief materials, while Sri Lanka has pledged $1 million and Bangladesh is preparing to send supplies.
The United States has pledged $500,000, while Australia has committed $1 million and is preparing to send a team that includes specialists and drone operators.
The United Arab Emirates has delivered 83 tons of essential relief supplies and pledged up to $10 million in assistance. Qatar has provided 40 tons of supplies.
The United Kingdom has announced £5 million in aid, while the European Union’s humanitarian aid arm has pledged €2 million. Switzerland has pledged $1 million, Germany $2 million and Norway 12.7 million Norwegian kroner.
Other contributors include Denmark, Ireland, the Czech Republic, France, Luxembourg and Latvia.
International financial institutions have also announced support. The World Bank has pledged $167 million in concessional loans, while the Asian Development Bank has committed a $5 million grant for budgetary support and $150,000 in technical assistance. (Source: IANS)
