KATHMANDU: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) chair Rabi Lamichhane has begun discussions with local representatives from flood- and landslide-affected areas of Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading, four days after the disaster.
Lamichhane held telephone conversations with local government chiefs on Sunday and pledged to immediately coordinate with the federal government on rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts.
From the RSP central office, Lamichhane spoke with chairpersons of local governments affected by the devastating floods and landslides of Bhadra 10. Senior party leaders also participated in the discussions.
He gathered information about the extent of damage, the status of rescue and relief operations, and the problems and immediate needs being faced by local governments.
During the discussions, local representatives highlighted urgent problems related to roads, electricity, management of bodies, rescue of people trapped inside hydropower tunnels, food supplies and temporary accommodation.
Kaisang Nurpu Tamang, chairperson of Gosainkunda Rural Municipality in Rasuwa, called for the immediate restoration of damaged roads to reconnect Rasuwa with the main road network.
He also said there was a shortage of materials needed to manage the bodies of those killed in the floods and landslides and called for their immediate supply. He stressed the need for an alternative arrangement for electricity supply.
Buchung Tamang, chairperson of Amachhodingmo Rural Municipality, called for additional measures to rescue people trapped inside hydropower project tunnels. He also requested arrangements for generators to ensure electricity supply, even on a limited basis.
Harikrishna Devkota, chairperson of Kalika Rural Municipality, called for the immediate restoration of road connectivity. He said there was a severe shortage of cooking gas for hot meals following the floods and requested 1,000 gas cylinders.
Devkota also called for the Nepal Electricity Authority to immediately begin installing poles and stringing power lines. He complained that the performance of the chief district officer and police chief had not been effective.
Madhav Prasad Aryal, chairperson of Uttargaya Rural Municipality, described the management of bodies as the most serious and urgent issue. He said the deployment of security personnel in rescue operations had affected regular public security services and called for additional security personnel.
Jagt Bahadur Gurung, chairperson of Belkotgadhi Municipality in Nuwakot, called for an alternative road to be opened immediately and temporary accommodation to be arranged for displaced people. He also informed Lamichhane that coordination with the chief district officer had been difficult.
Similarly, the chairperson of Gajuri Rural Municipality in Dhading said at least 100 tents were needed and called for immediate alternative accommodation for displaced residents.
Lamichhane pledges coordination with government
After hearing the concerns and requirements raised by the local representatives, RSP chair Lamichhane pledged to immediately coordinate with the Nepal government and relevant agencies on rescue, relief and rehabilitation.
Lamichhane said he would take the issues raised by the local representatives seriously and coordinate with the concerned ministries and agencies to seek prompt solutions.
According to the RSP, Lamichhane began coordinating with various ministers immediately after the discussions.
The floods and landslides have caused significant loss of life and property in various parts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading. Damage to roads, electricity, telecommunications and other infrastructure has also made it difficult to deliver rescue assistance and relief supplies to affected areas.
Local governments have been calling for immediate priority to be given to reopening roads, restoring electricity, managing bodies and providing temporary accommodation for displaced people.
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