KATHMANDU: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has directed Nepal Police and Armed Police Force units to remain on high alert and ready for immediate deployment in anticipation of monsoon-related disasters.
During a briefing on disaster preparedness organized by the Armed Police Force Nepal on Monday, Minister Lekhak emphasized the importance of early action, stating that preparedness must begin before the monsoon season officially starts.
He stressed that the Armed Police Force, which holds the primary responsibility for disaster management, must be fully engaged in early response efforts. “Start preparing today. Be ready for both predicted and unexpected disasters. We must identify at-risk areas in advance, issue warnings, and evacuate people to safety,” he said.
Lekhak also instructed the Armed Police to coordinate closely with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority and proposed establishing a branch of the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) with representatives from Nepal Police, Armed Police, and the Nepal Army. This coordination, he noted, would enable a swift and effective response during emergencies.
Highlighting the forecast of heavier-than-usual monsoon rains this year, the Home Minister called for strict enforcement of restrictions on nighttime vehicular movement in high-risk areas to prevent accidents and loss of life.
“We must avoid situations where we receive complaints or are found unprepared. We must be in a state of readiness 24 hours a day,” Lekhak emphasized.
The briefing also included virtual updates from Armed Police Force commanders across all seven provinces, detailing the preparedness status in their respective regions.
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