KATHMANDU, June 4: Armed Police Force (APF) Inspector General Raju Aryal has emphasized the importance of community volunteers and early warning systems in disaster risk reduction. He stated that such networks can play a decisive role in early information sharing, deployment, rescue, and relief operations.
Addressing the 8th session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva, Switzerland, Aryal highlighted Nepal’s initiatives, including the establishment of the Disaster Management Training School and Mountain Rescue Training Center under APF to produce skilled human resources.
According to Aryal, quick access to geographic and disaster-related information through volunteers and indicators eases disaster management, which is why APF has prioritized these efforts. He stressed that networks and community partnerships enhance coordination between local communities and security forces during preparedness, response, and relief operations.
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He also pointed out that Nepal has initiated global-level discussions on climate sensitivity through the Sagarmatha Dialogue. Given Nepal’s high vulnerability to natural disasters, he stated that the country is committed to addressing these challenges and reducing risks.
Aryal reiterated that disaster management cannot be achieved through isolated efforts and called for collective global action and inter-agency coordination. To make disaster management more effective, he emphasized the need for strong “disaster governance” and fulfilling commitments under the Sendai Framework, the Paris Agreement, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
APF’s Deputy Spokesperson DSP Shailendra Thapa, quoting Aryal, noted that Nepal’s geography spans from 59 meters above sea level to Mount Everest at 8,848 meters, making it prone to various disasters such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, and lightning.
Aryal concluded by stating that the experience and efficiency of Nepali security forces in disaster response can also be valuable to other countries and called for international cooperation to meet global development commitments together.
