Acting PM Singh orders high alert amid monsoon flood risks

KATHMANDU: Acting Prime Minister Prakashman Singh has instructed all government agencies to adopt necessary precautions in response to the increasing risks posed by monsoon-related disasters across the country.

In a meeting held today at the Ministry of Urban Development, attended by Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Defense Minister Manbir Rai, Chief Secretary Eknarayan Aryal, and Executive Chief of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority Dinesh Bhatt, the acting prime minister reviewed the current monsoon situation and potential risks in various regions.

He emphasized the need for preparedness, urging authorities to remain on high alert to prevent damages and ensure timely rescue and relief operations in case of incidents.

Singh also directed the implementation of an effective early warning system through SMS alerts, local media, and security agencies, especially in vulnerable areas.

During the meeting, Executive Chief Bhatt reported active waterlogging systems in Dang, Banke, and Bardiya districts of Lumbini Province.

Due to heavy rainfall, the water levels of Babai and Rapti rivers in western Bardiya have reached critical levels, posing flood risks to the area within the next 4 to 5 hours.

The acting prime minister also expressed concern about drought conditions in the Madhesh Province. Bhatta informed that light rainfall is currently occurring there, and approximately 80 percent of rice planting (paddy) has been completed.

Additionally, heavy rainfall is expected tonight in Kailali and Kanchanpur districts, while monsoon activity is anticipated to intensify in Makwanpur.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak added that district chiefs, security heads, and local administrative officers have been instructed not to leave their duty stations unless absolutely necessary to ensure swift response to monsoon-related emergencies.