Kathmandu, January 15

The US Embassy, in partnership with the Government of Nepal, today laid the foundation stone for a Regional Crisis Management Centre (RCMC) and warehouse in observance of Nepal Earthquake Safety Day, tomorrow.

The $1.2 million RCMC is funded by the US government, and is scheduled to be completed by March 2017 at the Nepali Army Chaunni Barracks in Kathmandu, according to a statement issued by the US Embassy in Kathmandu.

The Embassy further said that in the event of a disaster, civilian and military personnel will staff the RCMC to organise relief, search and rescue, and post-disaster activities like debris removal.

The RCMC and warehouse will enable civil-military partners to better coordinate response and communication as well as provide assistance and materials to the affected local population during a disaster.

And, the warehouse section of the RCMC will store emergency supplies and equipment for first responders.

The Embassy said the United States remains committed to supporting Nepal’s efforts in disaster preparedness.