Nepal Strengthens Disaster Preparedness

Sabika Shrestha/Kamala Aryal

As the weather forecast for the next four days across Nepal is of heavy and very heavy rainfall, so has the country’s preparedness. 

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in various parts of the country from September 24 to 26.

With the possibility of floods and landslides increasing, if the forecast rainfall occurs, the government has instructed all district administration offices and local governments to remain alert.

The government has begun preparations across the country to reduce the risk of possible disasters.

Authorities say they are on standby as excessive rainfall could increase the risk of floods, landslides and inundation.

In the past, the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has also issued warnings of heavy rainfall.

However, such warnings have often been overlooked not only by government agencies but also by the general public.

This time, however, government agencies have stepped up preparations following the department’s warning.

Authorities have increased monitoring of high-risk areas, prepared to mobilize security personnel as needed, and made arrangements for immediate rescue and relief in the event of a disaster.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, Emergency Operation Centres are being operated in all 77 districts on a 24-hour basis, while 1,234 call centres have also been arranged.

Authorities have also installed sirens at 55 locations in districts that could be more severely affected, to issue advance information and early warnings about potential risks.

Monitoring will also be carried out through river watch, chain watch and road watch systems.

In addition, 26,219 trained personnel from the Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force have been kept on standby for search and rescue operations.

Another 14,078 trained volunteers are also ready for deployment.

A military helicopter has been pre-positioned for rescue operations.

The authority says arrangements have also been made to mobilize 34 additional helicopters from the private sector, in coordination with private operators.