Preparedness measures put in place for disaster risk management in Baglung

Baglung, July 25 : At least five persons have lost their lives to lightning strikes in Baglung since mid-March. Loss of lives and properties is increasing due to lightning in the district every year.    

It has become a pressing need for the citizens also to adopt measures to remain safe from lightning.    

In view of rising incidents of monsoon-induced disasters in the district, preparedness for disaster risk reduction and management has been intensified. 

   
If the local government, stakeholders, and citizens come together with preparedness, plan, and precaution measures, disaster-induced risks can be minimized.    

Disaster risks can be mitigated to some extent if preparedness measures include the identification of risk-prone areas, their classification based on sensitivity, shifting of citizens from disaster-affected areas, human resource management for rescue and treatment of the survivors, equipment placement, and prompt management of resources and means are put in place.   

 
Assistant Chief District Officer and Information Officer at the District Administration Office, Ganesh Prasad Poudel shared that all stakeholders have been kept in ready-to-move positions for disaster risk reduction and management works. "Preparedness has been intensified after a meeting of the Disaster Management Committee", he shared.    

Preparedness for disaster management has to be done at any time but it needs to be more cautious in the rainy season, he said, adding, "We have activated disaster management committees at all local levels in the district".    

He further informed that the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police are making necessary preparation for the same.    

The local governments have been informed of placing their entire instruments and equipment so that they can be instantly mobilized for reducing risks, he said. "When deemed necessary, the district-level disaster management committee is mobilized at the local level".    

A 'quick response team' has been formed at all local levels for mitigating disaster-induced risks.   

 
The district administration has directed to regularly operate the Mid-Hill Pushpalal Highway and Kaligandaki corridor – the lifeline road – and also place dozer, excavator, ambulance and fire extinguishing engine for disaster management. (RSS)