KATHMANDU, Oct 1: Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak stated on Tuesday that the government has prioritized search, rescue, relief, treatment, and road clearance operations in the aftermath of the disaster incidents triggered by incessant rainfall since Thursday.

Speaking at a meeting of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Minister Lekhak expressed the government’s commitment to immediate efforts for disaster relief in the affected areas across the country.

According to Lekhak, passengers trapped in sites of disaster incidents along roads and highways have been rescued via choppers and the injured are being treated for free at government hospitals. He also noted that 4,222 individuals have been safely rescued in coordination with the Nepalese Army, Armed Police Force, Nepal Police, and volunteers.

Minister Lekhak lamented the government’s inability to rescue the individuals trapped in the flooded area of Nakkhu in Lalitpur on time. However, he defended the criticism from the lawmakers by blaming bad weather conditions. 

“The security personnel reached Nakhhu on time, but rescue was not possible due to adverse weather,” he said, adding, “We made efforts, but the situation there was extremely difficult.” He also mentioned that the government has decided on Monday to provide Rs 200,000 as relief fund to the families of the deceased.

The government has expressed its commitment to provide immediate relief to disaster victims and ensure additional financial support if necessary. As of Tuesday afternoon, monsoon-triggered disaster incidents claimed 238 lives with 28 missing and 107 individuals injured, according to the Armed Police Force.

 
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