KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ underscored the importance of learning from past earthquakes and implementing measures to prevent future disasters during an event at Chandragiri, organized on the 26th Earthquake Safety Day.

PM Dahal emphasized that constructing earthquake-resilient structures is not just a desire but a mandatory obligation. He highlighted the significance of holding awareness and resolution programs annually on Earthquake Safety Day, commemorating the devastating earthquake of 1990 BS.

“Today is a day to make a national resolution to prevent such distress and devastation. We need to work together to ensure no loss of life, injuries, or physical damage to families in the event of an earthquake,” he stated.

Encouraging collective resolution, he stressed the obligation of building earthquake-resilient physical infrastructure, emphasizing the need for insurance arrangements for such structures. PM Dahal informed about the government’s decision to study the provision of insurance for physical infrastructures.

He clarified that activities related to risk assessment, reduction, preparedness, and early warning systems should be intensified. The recent earthquakes in Jajarkot and Bajhang were considered early signs of risk, emphasizing the importance of developing local-level capacity to handle devastating disasters.

Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Minister for Urban Development Sita Gurung, and other officials were present at the event.