Govt serious on disaster preparedness: Minister Lekhak
Minister Lekhak emphasized the need for proactive measures, stating that the government is making necessary preparations to face potential disasters.
KATHMANDU: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has said that the government is seriously engaged in disaster preparedness and risk reduction across the country.
Speaking at a meeting of the Agriculture, Cooperatives and Natural Resources Committee under the House of Representatives on Thursday, Minister Lekhak emphasized the need for proactive measures, stating that the government is making necessary preparations to face potential disasters.
Highlighting that nearly 86 percent of households in Nepal have experienced some form of disaster over the past 25 years, Minister Lekhak noted that Nepal’s geographical setting makes it highly vulnerable to natural calamities. He stressed the need to enhance the capacity and activeness of local governments in disaster management.
According to the Minister, the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecast a 55–65 percent chance of above-average rainfall during this monsoon season in the eastern part of Karnali Province, northern Lumbini Province, and several areas of Gandaki Province.
In light of this, chief district officers and security committees in all 77 districts have been instructed to remain on high alert.
He further stated that the government is working seriously to strengthen early warning and information systems.
Acknowledging the shortcomings during last year’s flash floods in Kathmandu Valley—where early warning mechanisms failed to function effectively—he said steps are being taken to prevent such failures in the future, including coordination with telecom service providers.
As part of enhanced preparedness, Minister Lekhak also announced the establishment of a “Joint Command Post” in Kathmandu Valley to coordinate disaster response and mitigate risks more effectively.
