KATHMANDU, Sept 24: Lawmakers have urged the government to strengthen preparedness and response mechanisms as a new monsoon system threatens to bring heavy rainfall, floods and landslides, while also calling for improvements in emergency healthcare and action over alleged misuse of official authority.
Speaking during the ‘urgent time’ of Thursday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Dhananjaya Regmi said the government should formulate a concrete response plan to protect lives and property from the impact of the weather system.
He said merely advising people to remain indoors except for essential activities would not be enough to protect them from possible disasters.
Whither disaster preparedness?
“Along with the message to people to stay at home, it is also necessary to ask them to check whether the land around them is safe,” Regmi said.
He urged people in hilly areas to remain alert to early signs of landslides, including new cracks, sinking or swelling of the ground, and water emerging from previously dry areas. He said people should be advised to evacuate to safer locations when necessary rather than simply remain at home.
Regmi also called on the government to disseminate information in simple and accessible language through the media and social media platforms about flood warnings and early signs of landslides in the coming days.
Similarly, RSP lawmaker Gyanendra Singh Mahata called for an immediate review of existing laws and procedures governing emergency health rescue to ensure that all citizens have access to treatment during emergencies.
Tika Sangraula, another RSP lawmaker, demanded an immediate investigation into an audio recording related to an incident and action against those found guilty.
She alleged that a customs officer in Kanchanpur had intimidated the Armed Police Superintendent of Kailali by misusing his official position, undermining the dignity of the security and civil services.
RSS
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