Disaster Risk Reduction: Resources to be ascertained in three days

Kathmandu, April 17: A decision has been made to classify the disaster-related issues raised by the members of the House of Representatives in discussions with Prime Minister Balendra Shah and to prioritise them on the basis of risk within three days.

Similarly, it is decided to complete the work that can be done within the current fiscal year by June 29.

The meeting of officials from the disaster risk reduction and management bodies held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers also decided to ascertain the necessary resources for potential disaster risk reduction in the upcoming dry and rainy seasons and to request any shortfall within three days.

The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has stated that the meeting decided to manage the necessary resources for the prevention and response of monsoon-related disasters such as drought and forest fires in the dry season and floods, landslides, inundation and river erosion in the rainy season from the allocated budget of the concerned ministries, and to request any insufficient resources from the Ministry of Finance.

The meeting has decided to prepare an integrated report within five days on the inventory of disaster management tools and materials available in various agencies through the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).

Details of the necessary additional equipment will be prepared in coordination with the concerned authority and will be procured and provided based on priority, for which the Ministry of Finance will make budget arrangements.

The meeting also decided to effectively coordinate between federal, provincial and local levels at all stages of disaster management.

In addition, cooperation with neighbouring countries will be promoted through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the exchange of meteorological and disaster-related information.