The bout of incessant rainfall in various parts of the country in the past few days has once again highlighted the severe vulnerability of Nepal to natural disasters, particularly floods and landslides. Over the past few days, 13 lives have tragically been lost, with nine perishing in landslides and three due to lightning strikes. One individual was swept away by a flooded river in eastern Nepal, underscoring the widespread impact of these relentless rains. Among the heartbreaking stories, four members of a single family in Lamjung district were buried by a landslide. Similar tragic incidents have been reported across various districts, from Lamjung to Kaski, Okhaldhunga to Kailali and Morang. In Biratnagar, incessant rainfall has inundated over 600 houses, displacing numerous families and causing significant infrastructure damage. The Prithvi Highway in Pokhara has also been affected, disrupting transportation and highlighting the fragility of our infrastructure. As the monsoon of this year just spread across the country and is expected to continue for around next several weeks, the preparedness on the part of relevant government authorities and other stakeholders is highly imperative. 

It is important to recognize that these incidents in the past few days are not isolated anomalies but recurring disasters that demand immediate and robust intervention from all three tiers of government—local, provincial, and federal. The time has come for a unified and comprehensive approach to disaster management, focusing on preparedness, response and resilience. The government authorities concerned and the three-tier of government must take measures to tackle the situation. Firstly, there must be a comprehensive flood and landslide management plan. This plan should incorporate detailed risk assessments, early warning systems and community-based disaster preparedness programs. The integration of technology such as real-time weather monitoring and automated alert systems is crucial in providing timely warnings to vulnerable communities. It is equally necessary to invest in infrastructure resilience. The current drainage systems, as evident in the inundation of Biratnagar, are grossly inadequate in many urban centers. Upgrading drainage and sewage systems, constructing embankments and reinforcing vulnerable road sections can mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall. Additionally, constructing landslide barriers and retaining walls in prone areas can save lives and properties.

As a newspaper, we believe that the effective emergency response mechanism is highly urgent. It is equally necessary to raise public awareness and increase the involvement of the community to tackle the situation. Such campaigns are vital in educating communities about the risks and safety measures associated with floods and landslides. The government authorities should take the recent loss of lives and widespread destruction as a result of monsoon-triggered landslides and floods as a wake-up call. Our country remains perilously susceptible to natural calamities. We can significantly reduce the impact of such disasters with proactive measures, strategic planning, and a collaborative approach. The onus is on our governments at all levels and other relevant stakeholders to act decisively and urgently to protect lives of people and their properties.

 
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