Kathmandu, Sept 14: Local people’s representatives from areas affected by the flash floods that struck the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli river system on August 26 have applauded the federal government’s response to the disaster.
They said the government’s post- disaster search and rescue operations, medical intervention, and distribution of humanitarian assistance were effective.
During a meeting with Prime Minister Balendra Shah today, the local representatives said the federal government responded the post-disaster situation in coordination with the local governments since the meeting.
They also welcomed the Prime Minister’s decision to invite them to his office to discuss the situation. Parashuram Khatiwada of Siddhalek rural municipality, Dhading was of the view that the federal government implemented effective measures in response to the disaster. “We had never witnessed a disaster of such magnitude,” he said, thanking the government for its efforts.
Rajan Shrestha, Mayor of Bidur municipality, Nuwakot district, commended the provincial government’s prompt response for search and rescue operation in coordination with the federal government.
He appreciated and acknowledged that the provincial government was effectively conducting routine monitoring of the post disaster efforts such as rescue, relief distribution and rehabilitation operation.
He also reaffirmed his commitment for coordination, cooperation and facilitation with the federal government in coming days for the rehabilitation of those affected by the devastating disaster.
Citing the incidents of various non-governmental organizations were promising the flood survivors to build them a house and house their children in the flood-affected areas, he urged the government to keep an eye on such activities.
The people’s representatives participating in the meeting put forth a host of demands such as prompt expansion of road network, expediting search and rescue of those missing in the disaster, preventing potential epidemic in the affected areas.
They also called for arranging temporary accommodation to those residing in housing centres.
During the meeting, they also expressed their solidarity towards the government’s initiatives towards turning flood-affected coastal into green zone and relocating those residing in places highly at risk of disasters.
