KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has vowed to solve the problems of landslide and flood survivors by making a long-term plan. PM Deuba, who arrived at the Dodhara-Chandani area in course of the inspection of flood and landslide-hit areas in Sudurpaschim Province, said the region was worst hit by the disaster.

“It is horrible to see the impact of flood and landslide,” he said, adding that he would begin making a perspective plan after reaching Kathmandu to address such problems. “I’m saddened to see the loss and damage caused by the floods and landslides,” the PM added.

PM Deuba was accompanied by Finance Minister Janardan Sharma, Tourism Minister Prem Ale, former ministers Ramesh Lekhak, NP Saud, and Bir Bahadur Balayar. PM’s team aerially inspected the devastations caused by the post-monsoon rains in Doti, Bajhang, Baitadi and Dadeldhura and arrived here this evening.

The team also had the aerial inspection of the riverine areas of Brahmadev and Mahakali.

So far, 31 persons have lost lives in Sudurpaschim Province while 23 went missing and 17 got injury. The road transportation to the hilly district has been cut off with landslides.

The flooded Mahakali River caused damage at Bhimatta Municipality-9, 11, 12 and 13, and Dodhara-Chandani.

The under-construction four-lane road along the Mahakali River is badly damaged. Those displaced by the flood and landslide are taking shelter at public places including community schools.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Deuba has said that relief would be provided to the flood and landslide survivors soon.

He said so while speaking at his home district of Dadeldhura Thursday, where he reached after carrying out an onsite inspection of the damage caused by unprecedented rains in the hilly districts of Doti and Bajhang in the far west.

Heavy rains since Sunday have damaged property in various districts of the far west, destroying roads, houses, near-harvest paddy, livestock, as well as crops.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Deuba, who was accompanied by the Finance Minister, was briefed by the local people’s representatives, chief district officer, and journalists about the problems in the district, including the disaster-induced damage. District Coordination Committee Chief Ganesh Raj Bhatta said two people have been killed and more than a dozen injured in three days of incessant rains in the district.

Prime Minister Deuba, who is visiting his home district for the first time since being appointed the Prime Minister, expressed grief over the damage caused by the natural disaster. He said that relief would be provided to the families who lost members and suffered injuries as well as financial losses. Prime Minister Deuba reached Dadeldhura after inspecting Thalara, Chainpur of Bajhang, Dipayal of Doti, and Dhungad of Baitadi.

Prime Minister Deuba is now scheduled to visit Mahendranagar of Kanchanpur, Dodhara, Chandani, and Dhangadhi of Kailali. He is scheduled to return to Kathmandu from Dhangadhi on Friday.

Thirty people have been killed and 24 are still missing in the far west due to floods and landslides triggered by incessant post-monsoon rains. Likewise, 16 people were injured, according to police.