Govt for integrated monsoon preparedness, response action plan

Kathmandu, may 13: The government bodies have decided to advance the integrated monsoon preparedness and response action plan in order to minimize the loss of lives and properties this monsoon.The government has authorized the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority to prepare for it.

It has also decided to prepare an action plan along with details of available means and resources, and preparedness of concerned agencies, province and local governments for the rescue works in view of possible risks at various places across the country in monsoon, according to Authority’s Executive Chief, Anil Adhikari.

Similarly, the families with their houses damaged fully in the 2078 and 2079BS earthquakes would be provided Rs 50,000 grant in two installments for the construction of temporary shelter. Certain procedures would be adopted for it.A total of 5,880 houses from Lamjung, Khotang, Doti, Achham, Bajura, Bajhang and Dadeldhura districts were destroyed by the earthquake that occurred in Jeshtha and Shravan 2078 and in Kartik and Magh 2079.

Similarly, a taskforce comprising representatives from concerned ministries has been mandated to prepare amendment to Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Regulation, 2076 and advance it to Cabinet meeting.In the preparation team, there will have the representatives of Home Ministry, Finance Ministry, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, Ministry of Health and Population, Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizen, National Planning Commission, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority and Social Welfare Council.

According to the Ministry of Physical Infrastructures and Transport, a plan was made to mobilize huge equipment from 126 locations to reach the disaster site within 30 minutes if roads were obstructed due to monsoon-induced disaster. Timely reach of heavy equipment will ease resumption of roads within two hours.As many as 116 equipment and 13 bailey bridges are also kept in ready position.