Biratnagar, September 24
Following a warning of continuous heavy rain from Thursday, the Koshi Province government has carried out preparedness measures for possible disasters.
The provincial government took precautionary steps after the Weather Forecasting Division indicated the possibility of heavy to very heavy rain.
The province’s Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Development has directed its subordinate offices across all 14 districts of the province to keep equipment and personnel ready to control potential risks.
Physical Infrastructure Development Minister Jeeban Acharya said instructions had been given for effective coordination with local levels and other stakeholder agencies for rescue and relief work that might be needed in the event of natural disasters caused by the rain.
Minister Acharya directed increased monitoring of at-risk roads, bridges, and infrastructure, readiness of personnel, machinery and equipment, and immediate mobilisation in case of any disaster. He also urged the general public to remain highly alert.
Koshi Province’s Minister for Internal Affairs and Law, Gombu Sherpa, said the provincial mechanism had adopted high alert. He called on the public to stay safe and aware.
He said the provincial government had begun preparations in advance, keeping the risk of heavy rain in mind. Minister Sherpa said the concerned local administration and security mechanisms had stepped up efforts to deliver warnings to at-risk settlements.
Following the flood warning, all 14 district administration offices in the province and at-risk local levels have made preparations with caution. Biratnagar Metropolitan City is using loudspeaker announcements to alert people in flood-prone areas.
