China has been a real help to Nepal in the disaster relief and rescue operations since the April 25 devastating earthquake and the country is looking forward to more help from China in its rehabilitation and reconstruction.[Special coverage]
The remarks were made by K P Sharma Oli, chairman of the country's second largest party CPN-UML during an exclusive interview with Xinhua in his residence.
The earthquake and ensuing aftershocks have left nearly 9,000 people dead and destroyed or damaged tens of thousands of houses, including Oli's office.
"In such a situation when the entire Nepal was in crisis, in trouble, in sorrow, China supported us with rescue teams, medical teams and relief materials as well," Oli said, adding that particularly the Chinese rescuers had saved lives of some people under debris and "that is very precious and very important."
Oli, who was elected the party chairman last July, said the Nepalese side has also requested China to help construct or reconstruct houses and schools.
As rainy season is drawing near in the Himalayan country and many people still stay in the open, Oli said there is an urgent need for zinc sheets and tarpaulin, with which the quake-stricken people still living outside "can make the roof and construct temporary shelters or houses."
Materials support like blankets, raincoats, tarpaulin, tents or zinc sheets are the "immediate relief," he stressed, adding, "This is not only a task of millions but tasks of billions...We need such a huge amount so we have to get support by friends."
As for the construction of houses as permanent residences, Oli said it is another phase that would take 20 to 30 years.
Commenting on fears that there would be a possible outbreak of epidemic diseases after the quakes, he said, "I think we are able to protect from such diseases."
Nepalese medical workers, and the Ministry of Health and Population have worked very hard in this particular situation where the risk of epidemic outbreak could be very high because of dead cattle and other domestic animals, as well as dead human bodies buried deep in debris, Oli said.
"Also I would like to thank the Chinese medical team and medical teams from other countries, who worked very hard," he said, adding, "In my mind, it is controlled, because of the conscientious efforts of the doctors and teams and the medical treatment and facilities they have provided."
