Taskforce formed to assess disaster damage

Kathmandu: Government forms task force to assess disaster damage and coordinate relief efforts in response to the recent devastating floods and landslides triggered by relentless rains.

During a meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Executive Committee chaired by Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, the government has established a special task force to assess the extent of the damage and gather relevant details within 15 days.

This initiative aims to provide immediate support to those affected and expedite relief efforts across the country.

In the taskforce, a collaborative working group was formed, consisting of officials and experts from various ministries who will work together to coordinate disaster response efforts.

The committee has prioritized the immediate reconstruction of critical infrastructure, including government and public buildings, roads, bridges, drinking water facilities, schools, and health institutions.

Within the next week, authorities will identify beneficiaries eligible for temporary housing assistance, and the first installment of subsidies will be disbursed under the Temporary Housing Subsidy Standard, 2081.’

The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport is tasked with swiftly restoring blocked roadways to ensure stranded travelers reach their destinations.

Relevant agencies are instructed to expedite the necessary administrative processes to restore essential infrastructure impacted by the floods and landslides.

Relief distribution will commence immediately, with a streamlined system in place to assist those affected by weather-related disasters.

Families of deceased victims will receive support according to the law.

The committee expressed gratitude to volunteers involved in post-disaster search and rescue operations, as well as debris removal.

To facilitate recovery, local levels will establish a volunteer group, mobilizing national, provincial, district, and municipal volunteers.

Provincial disaster management committees have been called upon to initiate search and rescue, relief, rehabilitation, and recovery operations as mandated by law.

Additionally, the communication strategy for disaster risk reduction and management will be amended and approved within a week, incorporating feedback from committee members.

To mitigate the risk of post-disaster epidemics, the Ministry of Health and Population will launch public awareness campaigns and health programs in vulnerable areas.

Finally, amendments to the Disaster Affected Private Housing Retrofitting, Reconstruction and Resettlement Tranche. Disbursement Procedure 2081 will be presented to the Council of Ministers for approval.