Kathmandu: The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has issued a strong advisory urging the public not to use buildings damaged during the recent Gen-Z protests without first undergoing a technical assessment. This precautionary measure is aimed at ensuring safety and preventing any further risks associated with structurally compromised buildings.
According to National News Agency Nepal, NDRRMA spokesperson Shanti Mahat emphasized the importance of verifying the safety of these buildings before using them for any activities, including painting. Mahat highlighted that utilizing damaged structures without a thorough technical assessment could pose significant risks. The authority has specifically requested that activities such as painting and coloring be postponed until a complete evaluation of the structural integrity of these heavily damaged buildings is conducted.
The preliminary report from the police indicates that more than 600 buildings were completely destroyed by fire, with over 1,500 others sustaining partial damage during the protests on September 8 and 9. In response to the widespread destruction, the NDRRMA has initiated the process of forming a committee. This committee, comprising relevant stakeholders, will work on developing a framework to assess the extent of the damage accurately.