Eight local governments join hands for disaster risk reduction

Nepalgunj, March 10: Eight local governments in Banke district have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for disaster risk reduction and management.

The MoU was signed during a coordination meeting focused on inter-municipal collaboration, coordination, and experience sharing.

According to the MoU, local governments in the district will promote coordination, collaboration, and resource sharing to enhance disaster risk reduction and management efforts by adopting best practices and lessons learned.

The agreement also states that humanitarian, financial, and technical support will be extended among local governments as needed.

Additionally, the MoU stipulates that existing laws of the concerned local governments should be updated to facilitate mutual support and cooperation in disaster management. It also mandates the immediate provision of fire engine services to any local government upon request.

Under the agreement, all local governments will update details of ambulances within their jurisdictions and ensure the availability of immediate emergency services during disasters.

Furthermore, local governments will establish and strengthen local emergency operation centers to improve the effectiveness of the disaster information system.

The MoU also outlines provisions for maintaining a reserve of essential supplies, including food, clothing, medications, and temporary housing, to support rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts during disasters.

Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City Mayor Prashant Bista, Kohalpur Municipality Mayor Purna Prasad Acharya, Rapti Sonari Rural Municipality Chair Tapta Bahadur Poudel, and other local representatives signed the MoU.

On the occasion, Mayor Bista emphasized that disaster management is a shared responsibility of all stakeholders.

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