KATHMANDU, May 5: The National Council on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management has directed all concerned government bodies to arrange necessary preparedness to reduce the disaster risks. The meeting Presided over by Council Chairman and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli directed all bodes at federal, State and local levels to ensure preparedness in view of the disaster. Even the security bodies were asked for it.

The Home Ministry is directed to bring an umbrella act to wipe out duplication in the distribution of relief materials and necessary arrangement after the natural calamities in view of the monsoon. Development of integrated data and information system on disaster is underscored by the meeting. The Home Ministry made presentation on its disaster preparedness and the loss caused by the calamities including earthquake, lightning, and recent storm of Bara and Parsa.

At the meeting, PM Oli urged every office to equip them with resources to cope up the natural disaster and reduce risks. Development of integrated settlements, resilient housing, effective mobilization of security for timely rescue operation, and relief distribution were significant matter, he reminded. According to him, for the emergency rescue, arrangement was made to keep helicopter standby even at Itahari, Pokhara and Sukhet in addition to the Kathmandu. The PM informed that the Nepal Army had been given the responsibility of ensuring shelter for the survivors of the recent powerful storm that struck Bara and Parsa districts. As the PM said, the NA was given such responsibility following his field inspection to the affected areas.

The NA, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force are those institutions on which he could rely on during emergency. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Ishwor Pokhrel, Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa, the line minister and State Chief Ministers were present on the occasion. The Council formed in accordance with the Disaster Risk Mitigation and Management Act- 2074 BS ( first amendment- 2075 BS), shall sit for a meeting at least twice a year. The Act replaced the Natural Disaster (Rescue) Act, 2039 BS.

The Council comprises the government ministers, House of Representatives’ opposition leader, chief ministers of all states, National Planning Commission’s Vice Chair, Chief Secretary, Chief of Army Staff, ministry secretaries and expert members. An executive committee under the subordination of council is headed by the Home Minister. The Act has guaranteed the provision of National Disaster Risk Mitigation and Management Authority. It has also provisioned about the Disaster Management Council at state, district and local levels. RSS

 
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