KATHMANDU: Nepal Police has placed more than 10,000 personnel on standby across the country to strengthen preparedness and ensure swift response to monsoon-related disasters.
According to Nepal Police, personnel equipped with the necessary rescue gear have been deployed at all levels—from Police Headquarters to local police posts—to enable immediate mobilization in the event of floods, landslides and other monsoon-induced disasters.
The preparations follow the implementation of the Monsoon Disaster Preparedness and Response National Action Plan, 2083, approved by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority. In line with the national plan, Nepal Police has also put into effect its own Monsoon Disaster Preparedness and Response Action Plan, 2083.
Nepal Police spokesperson Deputy Inspector General of Police Abinarayan Kafle said coordination has been strengthened with relevant agencies to ensure effective deployment of personnel and efficient search and rescue operations.
“Police units up to the police post level have been instructed to identify high-risk areas and safe shelters, maintain rescue equipment according to local disaster risks, and remain ready for immediate deployment,” Kafle said.
He said two platoons have been stationed at the Disaster Response and Training Centre, while each Provincial Police Disaster Management Group has one rescue platoon on 24-hour standby with the necessary equipment.
In total, 10,085 police personnel have been kept on high alert for immediate deployment. Depending on the scale of a disaster, the Disaster Response and Training Centre and Provincial Police Disaster Management Groups will mobilize additional personnel in phases as required.
Kafle said joint disaster response drills involving all security agencies have been conducted in preparation for the monsoon season. Community awareness programmes have also been carried out to help reduce the risk of casualties and property damage.
Police personnel have also received specialized disaster rescue training to enhance their operational readiness, he added.
According to the Central Police News Room, staff from the Nepal Police Hospital, Provincial Police Hospital, Information and Technology Directorate, Vehicle Division, Women, Children and Senior Citizens Directorate, and the Nepal Police Canine Office have also been placed on standby.
If additional personnel from training institutions or specialized units are deployed during emergencies, they will be equipped with rescue materials from the nearest police battalion or disaster response unit. In situations where available resources are insufficient, Nepal Police will coordinate with local governments and partner organizations to secure additional rescue equipment, Kafle said.
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