Helicopters and manpower on standby for rescue and relief

KATHMANDU, JUNE 30: The government has deployed Nepal Army helicopters in three provinces for relief and rescue, saying that 72 districts are at the risk of floods and landslides. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, 72 districts are at the risk of floods and landslides for which army helicopters are on standby to mobilize security forces and other stakeholders concerned and assist in relief and rescue operations.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has stated that the helicopters are being prepared to cover all the seven provinces. According to home ministry Spokesperson Phanindra Mani Pokharel, Nepal Army helicopters have been deployed at Itahari in Province 1, Mahottari in Madhesh and Surkhet in Karnali for immediate rescue and relief works in case of an emergency. The Ministry of Home Affairs has taken all possible measures to keep the Nepal Army and private sector helicopters ready for relief and rescue,” said Pokharel. According to him, the home minister on Wednesday briefed the stakeholders on the ongoing work for disaster management.

“Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand said that coping with the disaster was possible only through concerted efforts,” said Spokesperson Pokharel. “Government officials have been urged to coordinate in the disaster preparedness response meeting as the main responsibility of the government is to protect the lives and property of the people from natural calamities,” said Spokesperson Pokharel quoting the home minister. The ministry has instructed the agencies including roads, drinking water, communication, health and security to be on standby.

Water and Weather Forecast Division, Department of Roads, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, Department of Irrigation, Ministry of Health and Population, Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority discussed regarding the work done for disaster mitigation and management preparedness.

The ministry had formed the Monsoon Response Command Team on June 13 under the coordination of Joint Secretary of the Ministry Pradip Koirala to ensure necessary coordination and cooperation among the stakeholders to work effectively for disaster management. The command team has instructed the chief district officers of all 77 districts to work in coordination with the local bodies.

“The chief district officers in the districts are the disaster management commanders. They will coordinate with the local bodies. They will not be allowed to leave the district during disasters,” said Pokharel.

The Armed Police Force (APF) has also prepared itself for natural disasters. The APF has said that units across the country are on standby for 24 hours for monsoon response. “Diver-trained police have been deployed at six different locations. Divers have been deployed in various places for immediate rescue during water-induced disasters,” said DIG Bidur Khadka, spokesperson for the Armed Police Force.

 
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