Karnali provincial government continues search, rescue and relief efforts

Karnali, Nov 6: The Karnali provincial government has continued the search, rescue and relief efforts for the earthquake victims in the province.

Chief Minister Raj Kumar Sharma said members of the Council of Ministers of the Province were working in the quake-affected areas. Following the conclusion of the search and rescue efforts, the rehabilitation of the victims would be carried forward, he said.     

Today morning, the Chief Minister himself visited the affected area of Jajarkot. He would visit the affected areas of other districts as per the need, he said. Minister for Economy Affairs and Planning Bedraj Singh has been at work in the affected areas in Jajarkot since Saturday.     

Minister for Internal Affairs and Law Krishna Bahadur GC and Minister for Social Development Khadga Bahadur Pokharel were at work in Surkhet. They were carrying out a range of work from collecting and ensuring the supply of relief materials.     

Since Saturday, relief materials have been supplied through a one-door system to the affected areas from Surkhet airport, said CM Sharma.     

Minister for Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives Bhim Prakash Sharma was at work in Rukum West and Salyan while Minister for Water Resources and Energy Urmila Bishwokarma was looking after the management of drinking water and emerging to the affected area, said GC, also the provincial government spokesperson. According to him, the ministry will repair water supply projects damaged by the quake.     

Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Urban Development Mangal Bahadur Shahi was collecting and recording data on physical infrastructure in Jajarkot and Rukum West damaged by the disaster. Minister for Industry, Tourism and Environment Krishna Bahadur BC will assist Shahi, said GC. Funds are being collected from various sectors for the affected areas, and the funds allocated by the provincial government would be sent to the respective local levels within a few days, he informed.     

One hundred fifty-seven people lost their lives in the 6.4 magnitude earthquake with its epicentre at Ramidanda of Barekot Rural Municipality in Jajarkot district. The quake took place on November 3 at 11:47 AM.     

According to the Karnali Province Police Office, Surkhet, 910 buildings were completely damaged and 2,861 partially by the quake. Two hundred forty-six people were injured. One hundred forty-six people returned home after treatment, said the police. (RSS)