KATHMANDU, June 19: President Bidya Devi Bhandari has urged the government to give special attention to search and rescue of those affected by floods, landslides and inundation, and in the post-disaster relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction works. She has also called for paying special focus on the preparedness for risk reduction.
In this connection, the President Bhandari on Friday inquired with the heads of the home ministry, national disaster risk reduction and management authority and heads of security agencies about the damage caused by rain-triggered floods, landslides and inundation along with the beginning of the monsoon in various parts of the country and government's disaster response initiatives.
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In the meeting held on Friday evening, President Bhandari stressed the need to pay attention to the natural hazards like earthquake, floods, landslide, lightning and forest fire while constructing physical structures for development. She also suggested the Home Ministry to work in coordination with other ministries and agencies in this regard. “It is the primary duty of the government to protect the life and property of its citizens during a disaster, and ensure an effective rescue and relief programme for those affected by it,” she said.
The President also lauded the efforts of the security persons involved in the search and rescue of the disaster survivors.
On the occasion, Home Minister Khagaraj Adhikari, Home Secretary Maheswar Neupane and the Executive Chief of the Authority Anil Pokharel apprised the President of the monsoon-induced disaster and the physical and human casualty, as well as the rescue and relief efforts of the government. Chief of Army Staff Purna Chandra Thapa, Inspector General of Nepal Police Sailesh Thapa and Inspector General of Armed Police Sailendra Khanal were also present on the occasion.
