Ljubljana:Prime Minister Balendra Shah has advised the public to remain cautious due to increased risks from ongoing rainfall in various parts of the country over the past few days.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the Prime Minister expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the recent disaster and wished a swift recovery to those injured. He assured that free medical treatment has been arranged for the injured and urged residents in riverbank and hilly areas to be highly vigilant, advising against non-essential travel. In emergencies, he recommended contacting the toll-free number 1234.
The government is closely monitoring misinformation spreaders, privacy violators, and black marketeers during the disaster. Misleading information during a crisis is deemed unacceptable. Following severe weather forecasts, the government has mobilized resources for disaster management, and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has issued precautionary measures like suspending night-time travel and closing schools.
Efforts are underway to gather details on missing persons after an avalanche in Manang. Nationwide, 439 monsoon-related incidents, including floods and landslides, have been reported, affecting both rural and urban areas and damaging infrastructure such as roads and hydropower systems.
The government is focused on citizen safety, with security personnel actively engaged in search and rescue operations. Temporary shelters have been coordinated for affected families, and warnings are being disseminated through multiple channels to protect lives and property. Early warnings have ensured the safety of trekkers and students, and rescue operations are prepared for any crisis.
The East-West Highway has been closed due to a cruise ship obstruction, and more than a dozen roads, including major highways, have been disrupted by floods and landslides. The government is committed to repairing these roads and restoring transportation swiftly.
Floods have interrupted the supply of 1,013.2 megawatts of electricity to the national grid, with hydropower projects of 318 MW halted due to transmission line tower collapses. Generation at projects totaling 695.2 MW has been suspended as a precaution. Technical teams are working to restore power supply in affected areas.
High water levels in major rivers have halted traffic and disrupted cross-border movement with India. Riverbank residents are urged to remain vigilant, with special precautions in rising water areas like Kulekhani.
Prime Minister Shah also reported that rain and strong winds have significantly damaged crops, including paddy and vegetables.