Kathmandu, Aug. 28 -- The government is scrambling to mobilise funds for rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts in areas affected by the Bhotekoshi flood, as it appeals for support from both domestic and international sources.

The finance ministry has been assessing which budget allocations can be redirected for emergency response. Finance Secretary Ghanshyam Upadhyaya said the government could immediately mobilise around Rs20 billion from funds already allocated in the current fiscal year's budget for relief, disaster management and rescue operations.

The government has yet to find a complete assessment of the human and physical damage caused by the floods. But Upadhyaya said around Rs20 billion could be used immediately for rescue,...