Kathmandu, September 7
Dr. Dharmaraj Upreti, executive chief of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, has claimed that relief materials have already reached most flood-affected areas.
Speaking at a program organised at the Authority on Monday, Dr Upreti said relief has reached all areas except the most remote ones that require helicopter transport.
He made clear that airlifting relief is currently facing some difficulty, since helicopters are now mainly being prioritised for search operations for the missing and rescue of those trapped.
“We are in continuous contact with local governments. Relief materials have already reached many places,” Dr Upreti said. “Where helicopter operations are difficult, only search and rescue are being prioritised right now. That said, we’re trying to send food supplies not just from Kathmandu but also from stations closer to Trishuli or Rasuwa.”
“Fake videos on social media had negative impact”
Executive Chief Upreti also appealed to the public not to spread misleading and “fake videos” related to the disaster that are circulating on social media. He said that videos not actually from the affected sites are going viral, creating a negative impact and spreading fear among the public.
“We found that several fake videos, not from our actual field sites, are spreading rapidly on social media. We need to be alert to the misinformation this causes,” he said.
Security forces mobilised for rescue since day one
The Authority stated that all three security forces have been working around the clock on rescue and relief since the first day of the disaster.
He said the state has spared no effort in search, rescue, and relief, and that as soon as the names of missing persons are received, they are verified through security agencies and field teams are mobilised immediately.
Dr Upreti clarified that local complaints are being addressed progressively, and that the government is coordinating with neighbouring countries as needed for disaster management support.
