Nepali Congress MPs criticize Home Minister's disaster response

Kathmandu, October 1 — In a meeting of the parliamentary party of the ruling Nepali Congress, concerns were raised regarding the government's failure to respond effectively to the recent floods and landslides, highlighting Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's statements.

During the meeting held in the Lhotse Hall of the Federal Parliament on Tuesday, lawmakers criticized the government for its inadequate rescue efforts during the disaster. 

MP Rajan KC stated that the home minister from his own party had also failed in the crisis. According to another participant, KC questioned why the government was not present when people were stranded in the floods in Nakkhu, despite being near to Singha Durbar- the main administrative office of the country.

"Rajan criticized the government for its shortcomings in rescue operations and the lack of physical presence of governmental machinery," one MP noted. "Why did the government not arrive on time with ropes and boats?" Rajan asked.

MP Narayan Khadka warned that if the government failed to facilitate the return of people to their homes ahead of the festivals, another disaster could occur. "Dashain is approaching, and people want to go home. The state of the roads is concerning. If we cannot get people home, another disaster will strike. The government needs to pay attention to this."

The meeting was initiated by Chief Whip Shyam Ghimire, followed by a briefing from Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak about the disaster. Afterward, the MPs voiced their concerns.

MP Shankar Bhandari questioned Prime Minister Oli’s statements, suggesting that since returning from the U.S., Oli has been speaking without restraint. "Prime Minister Oli’s words have become arbitrary. We must take responsibility for his every statement. What did he say immediately upon returning home? That was inappropriate," added Bhandari.

Defensive response from the Home Minister

In response, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak took a defensive stance, arguing that it was unfair to evaluate the government’s overall actions based solely on the Nakkhu incident. According to another MP, Lekhak stated, "We have rescued people at a 33% higher risk level. If we hadn’t acted on time, the damage would have been much greater. Criticizing the government based only on Nakkhu is not right."

He mentioned that the government had rescued over 700 people by helicopter and had arranged for immediate temporary housing, with plans for permanent housing in the future. He also noted that the government was working on repairing damaged structures.

Lekhak informed the meeting that the government had formed eight teams, led by an under-secretary from the Home Ministry, which were dispatched to eight affected districts on Tuesday. He claimed that the government was alert to control price increases while ensuring transportation was restored. 

He added that the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force were working on road clearance. "The rescue was hindered when an armed police vehicle overturned. At that time, I was informed by the army that visibility was poor for helicopter flights. A local helped, and the police vehicle took the person to the hospital. It’s not correct to say the police didn’t assist," he stated. "The government has rescued over 4,000 people. To claim that the government did nothing based on one incident is unjust."

Official decisions from the meeting

- The recent floods and landslides from continuous rains on September 28 and 29 have caused numerous deaths, injuries, and disappearances, which deeply saddens us. The Nepali Congress parliamentary party expresses profound sorrow over this tragic event, wishing peace for the departed souls and extending condolences to the bereaved families, while hoping for the swift recovery of the injured. This meeting demands that the government make all possible efforts to locate the missing citizens.

- Many citizens are still awaiting rescue in various parts of the country. Reports have also emerged of travelers stranded en route to their destinations. Therefore, this meeting demands that the government mobilize its entire machinery rapidly to complete rescue operations as soon as possible.

- Natural disasters have blocked many major and minor roads, and several bridges have collapsed, impacting transportation. With the upcoming festivals, there will be increased pressure for citizens to return home. Hence, this meeting requests the government to expedite the repair of blocked roads and make arrangements for alternative routes to facilitate citizens' travel for Dashain. Additionally, the meeting urges the government to prioritize the reconstruction of essential facilities such as drinking water, health institutions, schools, and police posts that have been damaged.

- Considering the deteriorating condition of the roads and the increased demand for air travel, this meeting requests the government to provide necessary concessions to maintain airfares at the minimum rates. The meeting also decides to keep road transport fares unchanged and to alert the government about the unnatural price increases in the market during the festive season, requesting proper management of supply.

- The meeting approves the decision made by the Nepali Congress parliamentary committee to provide relief management by deducting 15 days' salary from all members of the federal parliament (House of Representatives and National Assembly) to support the Nepal government. Additionally, all federal MPs are to be fully involved in providing assistance for the relief and rescue efforts for flood and landslide victims.

- The meeting calls on the government to provide compensation for crop damages caused by floods and to prioritize river control measures in areas affected by riverbank erosion.

- Given the risk to Nepalese in Lebanon due to the war between Israel and Lebanon, the meeting demands the government ensure their safety and arrange for the safe return of those wishing to come home.