Kathmandu: Acting Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh has directed all government bodies to adopt necessary precautions considering the risks of monsoon-induced disasters.
According to National News Agency Nepal, a meeting was convened at the Urban Development Ministry today, attended by Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Defense Minister Manbir Rai, Chief Secretary Eaknarayan Aryal, and Executive Chief of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, Dinesh Bhatta. During the meeting, the Acting Prime Minister inquired about the weather conditions across the country and the potential risks posed by the monsoon season.
He urged the concerned bodies to stay prepared to minimize damages in case of any incidents and emphasized the need to remain on ‘high-alert’ for search and rescue operations. Singh also instructed the dissemination of SMS alerts and the activation of early warning systems through local media and security bodies in areas prone to risks.
Executive Chief Bhatta briefed the meeting on the current monsoon activity, noting that the system remains active in Dang, Banke, and Bardiya of Lumbini Province. He warned that Bardiya might face inundation within four to five hours as the Babai and Rapti rivers have surpassed danger levels following heavy rainfall.
Furthermore, the Acting Prime Minister sought updates on the drought conditions in Madhes Province. Bhatta reported that light rainfall has been occurring in Madhes, with 80 percent of paddy plantation completed. He also cautioned that heavy rainfall is expected in Kailali and Kanchanpur tonight.
Home Minister Lekhak added that a directive has been issued for Chief District Officers, Chiefs of District-based security bodies, and chief administrative officers of local levels not to leave their workplace unless in an emergency.