Kathmandu: Experts have warned of heat-related risk in the wake of rising temperature. The government has been urged to launch proper policy and adopt strategies accordingly.
According to National News Agency Nepal, during a programme organized by the Nepal Red Cross Society and the International Red Cross in the federal capital on Thursday, Pragya Pradhan from the UN Habitat emphasized that policies must focus on victims of heat waves. She highlighted that the issue had not been taken seriously until recently, stressing the need for a proper mechanism, including relief and treatment, to address serious health risks posed by heat waves.
However, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, noted that the government would consider it an emergency once a significant number of people are affected by the heat wave. He added that further preparations, such as an early warning system, would be implemented accordingly.
Similarly, CEO at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, Dinesh Prasad Bhatta, stated that the government would prepare a work plan to cope with heat-related disasters. He mentioned that programmes aimed at public awareness, setting up cooling centers, and distributing drinking water would commence.