Kathmandu, April 1

The government today decided to ascertain the actual damage caused by the hailstorm in Bara and Parsa last evening, and then take necessary decisions related to rehabilitation of those affected and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure.

A Cabinet meeting more than 24 hours after the disaster decided that the government would make necessary arrangements for the relief of the injured, those rendered disabled, and families of the deceased, said government Spokesperson Gokul Baskota. He, however, did not elaborate.

The meet decided that the government would make necessary arrangements for treatment of those injured, mobilise additional medical workers with adequate medicines, and take measures to avoid any possible epidemic in the disaster-hit area.

The government will also direct authorities concerned to act immediately to restore electricity and drinking water supply and communications services. The government has assigned the home ministry to coordinate all relief and rescue works, said Baskota, who is also the Minister for Communications and Information Technology.

The Cabinet also expressed condolences on the death of 27 people in the hailstorm in Bara last evening, and wished for speedy recovery of the injured. It thanked those involved in rescue and relief operations in the immediate aftermath of the disaster, including security personnel, medical workers, political parties, media, and other local organisations. Meanwhile, the home ministry said in a statement that the government had arranged free treatment for the injured. Medical teams, including those from Nepal Police and Nepali Army have been mobilised, while temporary centres for emergency medical treatment have been set up.

Food and other immediate relief materials have been arranged at the local level. The home ministry also dispatched three trucks containing 468 units of tent and tarpaulin and 4,138 units of clothes from Kathmandu. Other relief materials are on their way to the disaster site, according to the ministry.