State’s entire forces deployed in flood-hit areas to save citizens’ lives: Minister Pokharel

Kathmandu: Spokesperson of the government and Minister for Education and Sports, Sasmit Pokharel, has shared that the entire force of the state have been deployed at Bhotekoshi-flood hit areas for the past six days to save the lives of citizens.

At a news conference organised at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) Office on Monday, Minister Pokharel mentioned that the priority is to save the lives of citizens. He said that security personnel from the Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force Nepal have been deployed at flood-hit areas round-the-clock.

A total of 11,379 people have been rescued as of now, adding 21,800 security personnel have been mobilized in search and rescue operation.

“All the citizens injured in flood are undergoing free treatment at hospitals and health institutions across the country. One hundred sixty eight people have recovered so far after treatment. A special medical team with medicines has been mobilized at flood hit areas. We are continuously working for citizens’ health and protect their lives,” underlined the government spokesperson.

Minister Pokharel stated that rescue operation was initiated by mobilizing security personnel in coordination with the District Administration Offices immediately, at the direction of the Prime Minister soon after getting the information about the disaster.

The government has forwarded rescue operation without leaving any stone unturned despite difficult geographical territory, adverse weather, he argued. Minister Pokharel said that the role of province and local level has been determined in search, rescue, rehabilitation and relief distribution to citizens in accordance with Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, 2074.

He clarified that no restriction on information and access to foreign media and journalists has been imposed. However, it is risky to fly multiple helicopters for rescue at a time due to air safety and massive air traffic.

The spokesperson of the government viewed that there was continuous coordination through foreign ministry for support of foreign nations in the post-disaster management work.

As per the result, teams that arrived from China, India, Korea, as well as other countries have been helping in search and rescue operation as per the need.

RSS