KATHMANDU: Minister for Home Affairs Om Prakash Aryal has called for proactive preparedness and response strategies to mitigate the risks of cold waves and snowfall, with special attention to vulnerable groups, regions, and communities.
Speaking at the ‘Disaster Dialogue’ organized by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), Aryal instructed relevant agencies to keep essential medicines and personnel ready to address health emergencies caused by extreme cold and snowfall. He acknowledged that the government alone cannot handle the challenge and stressed the importance of partnerships with national and international organizations, UN agencies, media, local communities, civil society, and the private sector. “We must foster partnerships in the storage of relief supplies, life-saving materials, warm clothing, and food,” he said.
The Home Minister also highlighted the National Preparedness and Response Plan, designed to scientifically and effectively manage high-risk natural disasters such as cold waves and snowfall. “These disasters significantly affect safety, livelihoods, and health services. Protecting human life and property is a collective responsibility,” Aryal added.
NDRRMA Chief Executive Dinesh Prasad Bhatt said two action plans have been prepared to prevent casualties from cold waves and snowfall. “These plans, developed through stakeholder consultations, serve as a guideline for district and local-level planning,” he said, urging Chief District Officers (CDOs) to implement preemptive measures and respond effectively to reduce risks.
District-level officials shared their preparedness measures during the discussion. In Rautahat, CDO Dinesh Sagar Bhusal said 2,877 households are likely to be affected, and preparations are underway to distribute blankets and firewood.
He said that due to limited forest resources, people often burn tyres to stay warm, and authorities will provide alternatives. A campaign to prevent road accidents during dense fog and to discourage the use of substances to survive the cold will be launched from December 1.
In Mahottari, CDO Indradev Yadav said efforts have begun to identify vulnerable populations and develop local action plans. In Manang, CDO Navaraj Paudyal highlighted the impact of snowfall on tourism, noting that many locals leave during heavy snow and that priority should be given to rescuing stranded tourists.
In Solukhumbu, CDO Leela Kumari Pandey said that 70% of the district falls in high mountainous terrain, and preparations are being made to implement a comprehensive snowfall preparedness and response plan.
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