Over 17,000 affected by disasters rescued safely: Home ministry

KATHMANDU, Oct 3: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) has announced that over 17,000 people affected by natural disasters, such as floods and landslides, have been safely rescued across the country.

Rishi Ram Tiwari, the spokesperson and joint secretary of the ministry, said that as of Thursday morning, 17,120 individuals had been rescued by the Nepali Army, Armed Police Force, Nepal Police, and volunteers involved in the search and rescue efforts.

The search for 22 people who are still missing continues, and 169 injured individuals have been arranged for free treatment in various hospitals. "Many of the injured have recovered and returned home," Tiwari said. He added that health camps and immediate relief were provided by security personnel in the affected areas.

According to the ministry, 2,158 people have been rescued from the Kathmandu Valley, 90 from Koshi Province, 35 from Madhesh Province, and 13,640 from Bagmati Province.

Similarly, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak is coordinating with relevant agencies and ministries to open blocked highways and ensure effective search, rescue, and relief distribution. He has instructed the chief district officers in the affected areas to focus on rescue operations, relief distribution, and medical treatment for the injured.

Likewise, relief funds have been provided to the families of those who died in the disasters in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Dhading, and Sindhuli. Relief materials are also being supplied to the District Disaster Management Committee from various donors.

The home ministry has formed a task force led by the joint secretary to reopen blocked roads and enhance security on highways at risk of landslides. This task force will coordinate immediate rescue and relief work for affected people and prepare a summary of humanitarian needs while making recommendations for necessary actions.