Kathmandu, November 22

With the onset of winter, the government has directed concerned ministries, departments, district disaster relief committees, district administration offices, local bodies, humanitarian agencies, and non-governmental organisations to help prevent deaths from exposure to cold wave and prepare for rescue and relief operations across the country.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the government has also urged the concerned agencies to take preventive measures to bring relief to people, particularly those belonging to economically weaker sections.

“The government is of the view that the harsh winter season is about to set in, and people living in the Tarai and in the earthquake-affected districts will be hit the hardest by the cold,” said the release.

Dozens of people die of cold in Nepal, mainly in the plains, every year. Relief and preventive measures include distributing blankets and warm clothes and organising bonfires for vulnerable people.

Concerned agencies have also been asked to conduct awareness-raising programmes and broadcast awareness information through media besides putting health workers and medicines stand by.

“The National Reconstruction Authority will give special priority to people living in earthquake-affected areas to prevent any untoward incident during the winter,” added the release.

Safety tips

• Manage warm clothes
• Stay indoors during the cold wave.
• Use warn quilt and blanket while sleeping.
• Light bonfires and eat warm food.
• Provide right care to children, elderly, pregnant women and patients.
• Do not take cattle to open places.
• Maintain proper ventilation when using kerosene, heater or fire oven.
• Be mindful of the symptoms of hypothermia like excessive shivering, memory loss,disorientation and drowsiness.