KATHMANDU, June 5: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has recently instructed to keep disaster response preparedness in proper order and has directed subordinate authorities to remain alert.
With the onset of monsoon in the country, concerns are rising over its possible impact on people's lives. Keeping this in mind, Minister Lekhak has accelerated the pre-disaster preparedness measures. Minister Lekhak visited the Armed Police Force (APF) Nepal, Nepal Police, and the Nepal Police Disaster Management Office in Kathmandu to inspect and gather information on the necessary pre-preparation efforts.
Following last year’s floods which caused significant loss of life and property, the government administration has stepped up its disaster response efforts more robustly this year, anticipating even greater challenges.
Whither disaster preparedness?
Over the past three days, Lekhak has enhanced coordination with concerned agencies regarding disaster preparedness. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also directed all Chief District Officers, police chiefs, and security agencies across the country to remain vigilant in disaster response preparedness through virtual meetings.
Learning from past disasters, the Ministry has urged maintaining technical manpower and equipment in a state of readiness and increasing coordination with local and provincial governments.
During his inspection of the Disaster Management Office on Wednesday, Minister Lekhak instructed officials to maintain a mindset that disaster risk reduction and management can occur anytime and anywhere. He also stated that the Ministry is working proactively to eliminate the police force’s compulsion to be deployed in disaster response due to limited resources and means.
“Disasters can happen anytime and anywhere. We must always stay with that mindset. While monsoon-related disasters can be forecasted, earthquakes and fires cannot,” he said. “We are on the eve of the monsoon season. Once the monsoon becomes active, floods and landslides occur. We must be prepared in advance for these.” Home Minister Lekhak has directed all relevant authorities to maintain a state of readiness around the clock, emphasizing that disaster management is Nepal’s responsibility.
Lekhak emphasized the need to remain prepared to mitigate and manage the high risks of floods and inundation during the monsoon season. “Preparations for monsoon-related disasters must begin immediately. It is essential to provide timely early warnings and stay ready for rescue operations. The monsoon is expected to become active from June 11,” Minister Lekhak stated.
Visiting the APF headquarters for a briefing on early preparations over the past three days, Home Minister Lekhak directed the APF, which is entrusted with disaster management responsibilities, to actively engage in disaster preparedness efforts.
