Govt leaves no stone unturned for search and rescue efforts in flood-affected areas: Minister Dr Timilsina

NUWAKOT: Minister for Information and Communications Dr Bikram Timilsina has said the government will leave no stone unturned in search and rescue operations in areas affected by the recent floods in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems.

Addressing a meeting of the District Disaster Management Committee on Saturday, Minister Timilsina said adequate arrangements had been made to accommodate disaster survivors at safe holding centres and provide them with necessary medical treatment following their rescue.

He said the government was now focused on recovery and reconstruction while ensuring that affected people were rescued as soon as possible through the mobilisation of more than 21,000 security personnel in the disaster-hit areas.

A total of 25 helicopters, along with other necessary equipment and relief materials, have been deployed to assist search and rescue operations, he said.

According to the minister, security forces are working tirelessly in the affected areas. He said the successful rescue of several people trapped inside hydropower tunnels amid the massive devastation demonstrated the government’s seriousness, promptness and commitment to disaster response.

Dr Timilsina assured that the government would leave no stone unturned to reach affected areas and save lives, regardless of the cost. “No cost is too high if it can save even a single life,” he said.

The government is preparing emergency and long-term plans for the recovery and reconstruction of areas damaged by the August 26 Bhotekoshi flood, he said, urging people not to rebuild settlements in the affected areas.

The minister also said the government was working to arrange alternative means of transportation in areas where roads had been damaged and bridges swept away.

According to District Disaster Management Committee coordinator and Chief District Officer Shambhu Regmi, a total of 2,604 people have been unaccounted for in the district since the flooding. So far, 193 bodies have been retrieved, while 66 people are receiving treatment at various hospitals.

A total of 2,714 people from the affected settlements have been accommodated at relief camps in 25 locations.