KATHMANDU: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has recorded an increase in tree felling and water-related disasters compared to the previous fiscal year, with 234 disaster incidents reported by mid-December.
According to Bishnu Prasad Joshi, Superintendent of Police of the KMC Disaster Management Department, tree felling accounted for the highest number of incidents (77), followed by water-related disasters (50).
The department also recorded 59 fire incidents caused by electricity, 2 due to cooking gas, and 12 miscellaneous incidents.
Joshi noted that tree-related disasters have risen due to ongoing roadside plantation efforts and the lack of proper management of old trees. To address this, KMC is working on maintaining and managing older trees.
The previous fiscal year saw a total of 431 disaster incidents of various types. KMC attributes the increase in fire incidents, particularly those on lampposts, to the haphazard arrangement of wires by internet service providers. Additionally, outdated cooking gas cylinders and the lack of regular maintenance and replacement of gas pipes and regulators have contributed to fire-related disasters.
In response, KMC has initiated mock disaster response exercises and public awareness campaigns to mitigate risks. These exercises include demonstrations on fire safety and emergency response during road accidents.
To address fire emergencies in areas inaccessible to fire engines, KMC has been installing dry risers in narrow roads and alleys. The installation has already been completed in wards 6, 7, 9, 13, 17, 18, 21, 25, and 27, with plans to extend the technology to other wards as required.
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