Nepal Government Enhances Search and Rescue Efforts Following Flash Floods

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council meeting, chaired by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, decided to intensify search and rescue operations in Rasuwagadhi, Gosainkunda Rural Municipality-2, Rasuwa, after a flash flood hit the area. The meeting thanked security personnel and local people involved in the search and rescue efforts and expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident. The council instructed various ministries to work on repairing damaged infrastructure, facilitating insurance for affected businesses, and providing relief to affected families.

Key Takeaways:

• The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council meeting decided to enhance search and rescue efforts in Rasuwagadhi, Gosainkunda Rural Municipality-2, Rasuwa.
• The meeting expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the flash flood and thanked security personnel and local people involved in the search and rescue efforts.
• The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport has been instructed to make arrangements for the operation of road infrastructure, while the Ministry of Finance has been instructed to facilitate insurance for damage to containers, vehicles, and other assets of the businesspersons.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs will provide immediate relief to the families of the deceased and missing persons in the incident as per the prevailing law, and the Ministry of Health and Population will provide free treatment to the injured.
• The council meeting decided to coordinate with China through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to operate the Kerung border crossing after the Miteri Bridge over the Bhotekoshi River was washed away.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs has been instructed to make necessary preparations for the smooth operation of alternative border crossings with China.
• The concerned ministries have been instructed to quickly repair and operate the damaged infrastructure of customs, immigration, and hydropower projects.

Statistics:

• More than expected rainfall has been forecast for this year, prompting authorities to remain alert and work on preparedness and response.
• The Miteri Bridge over the Bhotekoshi River at Rasuwagadhi, Nepal-China border transit, was washed away due to the flash flood.

Sources:

• "Nepal Government Enhances Search and Rescue Efforts Following Flash Floods" ( Kathmandu: 2023)