KATHMANDU: This year’s monsoon is likely to affect 1.25 million citizens in the country, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.

The Authority, based on various scientific analyses, conducted a study and projected that a total of 286,998 households are likely to be impacted.

It is estimated that around 400,000 people will be affected by the disaster in Madhesh province, while in Koshi Province the number is projected to be 300,000.

Additionally, in Lumbini Province, the estimated number of affected individuals has been put at 200,000, Bagmati Province 100,000, Sudurpaschim Province 147,000, Gandaki Province 69,000, and Karnali Province 35,000.

It is worth noting that last year’s estimate indicated that 2 million people were affected by the monsoon-induced disaster.

With the monsoon season fast approaching, preparations and response efforts are in full swing.

Home Minister Narayankaji Shrestha has already issued instructions to expedite disaster management activities.

The government is actively engaged in coordinating and implementing measures to mitigate the potential impact of the monsoon and ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens, Home Minister Shrestha said.

The Authority has further informed that necessary preparatory coordination work and a national action plan for monsoon preparedness and countermeasures have been developed based on the available information and analysis.

These measures aim to enhance the capacity to respond effectively to any potential disasters or adverse effects brought by the monsoon season, it said.

The authority is committed to implementing these plans to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of the population and minimize the impact of the monsoon-related hazards.

The 18th meeting, convened on Sunday, sanctioned the action plan.

The action plan encompasses a comprehensive situation analysis and impact assessment of the monsoon risks.

It delineates the respective responsibilities of various ministries and thematic sectors, the private sector, the Nepal Red Cross, and other non-governmental organizations engaged in the humanitarian sector.

Additionally, the action plan provides specific details regarding the inventory of search, rescue, and relief materials to be utilized during the monsoon period.

Likewise, a resource management system has been established to track information regarding stored emergency equipment and materials.

This system ensures accessibility to crucial information about available resources during emergencies.

Furthermore, a warehouse management system has been implemented to efficiently manage and monitor inventory in warehouses.

Additionally, a volunteer management system has been developed to maintain a comprehensive database of volunteers involved in search and rescue operations.

As per the information provided by the Authority, preparations have been made to install smart sirens at 34 strategic locations across the country.

Additionally, disaster collective rescue vehicles and ‘A Class’ ambulances have been arranged for early warning and pre-action measures.

Each of the seven provinces and the Kathmandu Valley will have one such vehicle.

Moreover, the volunteer system has already registered 1,422 individuals who are willing to contribute their services during emergencies.