KATHMANDU: Acting Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh and Communication Minister, Prithvi Subba Gurung, held discussions on enhancing Nepal’s disaster information dissemination system amid growing concerns over monsoon-related risks.
During a meeting at the Ministry of Urban Development, the two leaders discussed the role of the Ministry of Communication in improving early warning communication, especially during heavy rainfall and natural disasters.
The discussion follows a recent decision made at Sunday’s meeting of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, chaired by Acting Prime Minister Singh, which stressed the need to make post-weather forecast alerts more effective.
Key areas discussed included the possibility of sending SMS alerts to residents in vulnerable areas, broadcasting real-time weather bulletins and alerts through local FM radios and social media, and triggering ‘early warning rings’ on mobile phones to alert people in high-risk zones.
Minister Gurung said his ministry would coordinate with relevant stakeholders to ensure the timely and effective dissemination of critical information.
Acting Prime Minister Singh said an efficient early warning system based on weather forecasts can play a vital role in reducing the impact of potential disasters and preventing loss of life and property. He called for focused efforts to improve the reach and reliability of such information systems across the country.
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