KATHMANDU: Acting Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh on Tuesday directed all government agencies to remain on high alert as monsoon-related disasters escalate across the country.
At a high-level meeting held at the Ministry of Urban Development, Singh was briefed on the current monsoon situation and potential disaster risks by key officials including Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Defense Minister Man Bahadur Rai, Chief Secretary Baikuntha Aryal, and Executive Chief of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), Dinesh Bhatta.
During the meeting, Singh instructed authorities to maintain a high level of preparedness, minimize potential damage, and remain ready for rapid search and rescue operations. He also stressed the importance of an effective early warning system through SMS alerts, local media, and security agencies, especially in high-risk areas.
NDRRMA chief Bhatta informed the meeting that heavy rainfall systems are currently active in Lumbini Province, particularly in Dang, Banke, and Bardiya. He warned that rising water levels in the Babai and West Rapti rivers have crossed danger thresholds, posing a serious risk of inundation in Bardiya within the next 4 to 5 hours.
Singh also expressed concern over the ongoing drought in the Madhesh Province. Bhatt responded that light rain had started in the region and approximately 80% of rice transplantation has been completed so far.
The meeting was also informed of the likelihood of heavy rain tonight in Kailali and Kanchanpur, and that another active rainfall system is likely to develop in Makwanpur district.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Lekhak said instructions have been issued to Chief District Officers (CDOs), local security chiefs, and chief administrative officers of local governments not to leave their duty stations except for urgent matters, keeping the risk of monsoon-related disasters in mind.
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