Nepalgunj: Eight local governments of Banke district signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for disaster risk reduction and management. The MoU was signed in a coordination meeting related to inter-municipal collaborations, coordination and experience sharing.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the MoU promotes coordination, collaboration, and resource sharing among the local governments to work effectively in the field of disaster risk reduction and management, following best practices and learning. The document also outlines the extension of humanitarian, financial, and technical support from one local government to another if necessary.
The agreement further emphasizes updating existing laws of the concerned local governments to facilitate support and cooperation in disaster management. It also includes the provision of fire engine services to any local governments on demand. Additionally, the MoU mandates updating details of ambulances in the areas and arranging for immediate services during emergencies and disasters.
To enhance the disaster information system, all local governments will establish and strengthen local emergency operation centers. The MoU also specifies arrangements for a certain quantity of food, clothing, medications, and temporary housing needed for rescue, relief, and rehabilitation during disasters.
Signatories of the MoU include Nepalgunj sub-metropolitan city mayor Prashant Bista, Kohalpur municipality mayor Purna Prasad Acharya, and Rapti Sonari rural municipality chair Tapta Bahadur Poudel, among others. On the occasion, mayor Bista remarked that disaster management is a shared responsibility of all.