Monsoon Response Command Post Makes Key Decisions Based on Weather Bulletin

Kathmandu. The second meeting of the Monsoon Response Command Post has made various important decisions based on the special bulletin issued by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. 

There is a possibility of very heavy rainfall in one or two places in the hilly and terai regions of Koshi, Gandaki, Lumbini, and Sudurpashchim provinces on August 18 and 19.  

It was discussed in the meeting that there is a possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall in some places in the hilly regions of the country, Koshi, Bagmati, Lumbini, and Sudurpashchim provinces, and in one or two places in the terai regions of Madhesh, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces.  

The department has listed Panchthar, Ilam, Jhapa, Sankhuwasabha, Tehrathum, Bhojpur, Khotang, Dhankuta, Sindhuli, Lalitpur, Kavre, Sindhupalchok, Nuwakot, Chitwan, Dhading, Gorkha, Lamjung, Kaski, Tanahu, Parbat, Baglung, Myagdi, and Syangja in red, meaning they require response.

The Command Post has directed the District Security Committees and local levels of these districts to exercise extreme caution. Due to the risk of sudden floods, landslides, erosion, debris flow, and inundation in urban and terai areas caused by heavy rainfall, it has been advised to stop vehicular movement at night in the districts marked in red. The meeting decided to instruct the concerned District Security Committees to stop vehicular movement at any time as per the situation. High alert has also been requested in other districts.

The meeting has requested all stakeholders, including the three security agencies, local levels, and volunteers, to be prepared for response. The Department of Roads and other concerned bodies have been asked to keep equipment such as dozers, excavators, and loaders ready on risky highways and roads. It has been decided to request the District Security Committees, local levels, security agencies, and volunteers to relocate individuals and families living in risky areas to safer locations as needed before the disaster occurs, based on early warning and alerts.

Similarly, the meeting has urged development partner organizations, civil society, the media, the private sector, and all citizens to cooperate, collaborate, and partner as needed for disaster preparedness and response. The Command Post has also decided to make arrangements to keep emergency warehouses ready for immediate mobilization if necessary.