Kathmandu, August 26
A special meeting is underway at the Ministry of Home Affairs following a massive flood in the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa, as authorities step up search, rescue and relief operations in the affected areas.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority is also holding a meeting to assess the situation and coordinate the government’s response.
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has called a meeting of the National Council for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers to discuss further measures.
Two Army helicopters sent to affected areas
According to the Home Ministry, two Nepal Army helicopters equipped with medical teams have already been deployed to the affected areas for possible rescue and relief operations.
Private helicopter companies have also been asked to keep their aircraft on standby for search and rescue operations.
The government intensified its response after floods hit areas including Syafrubesi and Timure in Rasuwa on Wednesday morning.
Authorities have instructed the concerned Chief District Officers (CDOs) to relocate residents in high-risk and downstream areas to safer locations.
The government is also continuing to issue warnings to residents in other areas that could potentially be affected by the flood.
Travel warnings issued
Authorities have urged the public not to travel on several roads that could be affected by the flood.
People have been advised to avoid the Prithvi Highway, Galchhi–Nuwakot–Rasuwa–Syafrubesi road and Muglin–Narayangadh road until the situation becomes safer.
Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force, district administrations and other disaster-response mechanisms have been mobilised in the affected areas.
The Nepal Army has also intensified search and rescue operations, while the district-level disaster management authorities have been instructed to coordinate relief efforts.
The government is continuing to assess the extent of the damage and the need for additional rescue and relief resources.
