Monsoon Disaster Rescue Intensifies

Sabika Shrestha/Pawan Barsha

The Nepal government has intensified preparedness, rescue and relief efforts across all 77 districts as monsoon-related disasters continue to rise in several parts of the country.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has urged residents to remain on high alert in the hilly and mountainous areas of all provinces except Koshi and Madhesh, citing a heightened risk of landslides during the mid-monsoon period.

The Authority has issued particular warnings for the high-hilly and mountainous areas of Sudurpaschim, Karnali and Gandaki provinces, where heavy rainfall and landslides have posed the greatest risks in recent days.

Meanwhile, the hilly areas of Bagmati and Lumbini provinces also remain vulnerable to landslides and floods.

Authorities have called on the public to closely monitor weather and disaster-related updates and follow safety advice issued by government agencies, media outlets and disaster management experts.

Since the onset of the monsoon, at least 65 persons have died in rain-related incidents, including floods, landslides, inundation and lightning strikes, as of Sunday, while 119 others have been injured.

In addition, 8 persons remain missing, and 1,414 households have been directly affected by monsoon-related disasters, according to authorities.

The Authority estimates that more than 226,000 persons from around 51,800 households across the country could be affected by disasters during this monsoon season.

A disaster response plan has been implemented across all 77 districts in coordination with the federal, provincial and local governments.

Relief supplies have been pre-positioned, while designated contact persons have been assigned in each district to facilitate a swift response during emergencies.

Meanwhile, the government has also urged people to use the emergency number 1234 in the event of a disaster.

Calls are routed to the 24-hour disaster call centre in the district from where the call is made, with a mechanism in place to mobilize rescue teams within 30 minutes of receiving an alert.