KATHMANDU, JUNE 18
Minister for Home Affairs Sudan Gurung has said the government's goal is to ensure zero human casualties from monsoon-related disasters through enhanced preparedness and coordinated response.
Addressing a special meeting at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) on Thursday, Minister Gurung directed authorities to identify flood- and landslide-prone areas and implement targeted policies and programmes accordingly.
Stressing the need for an integrated approach, he called for stronger coordination among agencies involved in disaster preparedness, rescue and relief to minimise loss of life and property.
The Home Minister said disaster management efforts should move beyond the traditional focus on post-disaster rescue and relief and instead prioritise preparedness and early action before disasters occur.
He also warned against the misuse of helicopters under the pretext of inspecting disaster-hit areas, stating that only security personnel engaged in rescue and relief operations would be permitted to use helicopters for such purposes.
The meeting was attended by the chiefs of the three security agencies and senior officials involved in disaster risk reduction and management.
