Melamchi municipality appeals to those living in high risk zones to move to safer locations

Published On: August 4, 2021 11:00 AM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

SINDHUPALCHOWK, August 4: Melamchi Municipality has drawn its attention to a widespread criticism of the local government for its sheer apathy to the protection of lives and property in the flood-ravaged riverside area.

The floods that occurred since June 15 have caused unprecedented loss and damage to the human settlement in the vulnerable downstream area.

In an appeal issued on Tuesday, the municipality said that it has put all-out efforts in mobilizing entire mechanisms to control rivers and protect settlements since the first day of June 15.

The municipality, however, has expressed happiness over the functioning of an early warning system that helped prevent the loss of human lives. The municipality had earlier arranged temporary accommodation for the flood-affected people in Indreswari Secondary School for 15 days.

Municipality Mayor Dambar Aryal shared that the municipality played an important role to shift the affected people to secured areas on their wish by arranging cooking gas, stove, bed-set and food items. He further informed that coupons were also arranged for foods for a month.

The municipality is continuously engaging its efforts to check river erosion in the downstream area and mitigate risks as per the advice and recommendations made by the thematic experts and recommendations.

So far, the municipality has placed 1,278 gavvin boxes and 478 tip pebbles, and mobilized seven machines continuously on the rivulet side for a month. The municipality has also publicized the details of the expenses made in course of the prevention and control of river erosion through its website.

The municipality has started collecting all details of flood-affected people and depositing Rs 25,000, Rs 20,000, Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 to the bank accounts of the flood-hit families as per the classifications.

Mayor Aryal further shared preparation is underway to sign a contract of Rs 50,000 with affected households for housing and expedite reconstruction of the disaster-ravaged structures.