Quake-hit Nepal seeks relief, funds

Nepal on Monday sought more relief material and funds from the international community in the wake of the killer earthquake.

Foreign Minister Mahendra Bahadur Pandey said: "We need huge (amounts of) relief material to address the woes of thousands, including funds for rebuilding, reconstruction and relocation of thousands of structures and displaced people."

Pandey was addressing the Kathmandu-based international and diplomatic communities including the ambassadors of India, China and the US to appraise them about the post-quake situation.

Saying the search and rescue operations had ended, the minister thanked the international community for assisting Nepal and urged them to focus on the Himalayan nation's rebuilding and reconstruction process.

Pandey also expressed concern that assistance announced by the international community had not been deposited with the Prime Minister's Relief Fund.

He thanked the international community for providing critical assistance in search and rescue mission in the wake of the April 25 disaster.

Pandey also dismissed diplomatic missions' concern over "obstacles" in brining relief material to Nepal.

Nepal is yet to assess what precise amount it needs to rebuild the quake-battered nation.

The 7.9 magnitude temblor has left over 7,000 people dead and caused widespread devastation.