JAJARKOT, Dec 12: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the Karnali Province government to ensure essential arrangements for the quake-hit people who are now facing severe cold.

NHRC member Mihir Thakur, who visited the earthquake-affected Jajarkot and Rukum Paschim districts, met the Province Minister for Internal Affairs and Law, Krishna Bahadur GC, and made him aware of the biting cold the quake survivors were facing.

So far, 43 people living under the tent have lost their lives to the cold, so urgent help is needed for the protection of lives.

NHRC Member Thakur met Minister GC on Monday and reminded him that the number of fatalities would increase if timely assistance was not ensured. "People living with critical diseases, pregnant and lactating women, children, and senior citizens who are living under the tent are hit hard by the cold. The provincial government needs to pay attention to this," he underscored.

According to him, Jajarkot District Hospital had a shortage of workforce and medicines, while the quake survivors had not received even the first tranche of monetary support as announced by the government to construct temporary houses.

"Relief distribution was not transparent. A handful of bigwigs influenced the distribution," Thakur added.

According to him, the provincial government could establish a reconstruction authority and forward activities accordingly.

However, Minister GC accused the federal government of not allowing rights to the provincial government for the reconstruction of the quake-hit areas. Despite this, the provincial government had allocated Rs 1 billion for the construction of temporary shelter for the quake survivors, he shared.

 
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