KATHMANDU, MAY 7

Chief Minister of Karnali Province, Yamlal Kandel, has emphasized the urgent need to construct houses for the survivors of the Jajarkot earthquake.

Speaking at a discussion organized by the 'Nepal Shelter Forum' today, the Chief Minister expressed concern over the fact that disaster survivors are still living in makeshift tents as the monsoon season approaches.

He mentioned that the affected individuals have yet to receive relief for building shelters.

During the event, he also informed that the federal, provincial, and local governments are collaborating to initiate shelter construction for those affected by the earthquake. Chief Minister Kandel called for attention to be paid to the increasing incidents of disasters across the country.

He questioned, 'The country is plagued by forest fires reported in various parts, and we face constant risks of floods and landslides during the rainy season. Can earthquake survivors withstand the adversity of the rains in torn tents?'

Chief Minister Kandel noted that existing laws and regulations are not favorable for managing disasters. He added that some survivors have not received the promised Rs 50,000 to build shelters.

He emphasized the importance of effectively implementing the disaster response action plan in the province, pointing out that the Karnali Province's disaster-caused death rate is five per 100,000.