Summer disasters may affect 25,000 families in Banke

By Siraj Khan,Nepalgunj, Apr. 2: Preliminary preparations have begun in consideration of potential disaster events in Banke, with an estimate suggesting that around 25,000 families could be affected this year. 

According to the District Disaster Management Committee of Banke, various factors such as monsoons, cold waves, floods, and other disasters may directly impact 25,000 families. In view of this, initial measures have been initiated to mitigate the potential impact and provide assistance to those in need.

Rupan Gyawali, Information Management Officer of the District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC), said that it is expected that the summer will be too hot this season and many families will be affected by the floods, so preparations have been intensified to reduce the risk of all kinds of disasters.

Preliminary preparations and response plans have been prepared for that purpose in all eight local levels of the district to develop municipal-level preparedness and response plans in their respective municipalities.

The decision has been made to prepare and implement the district's preparedness and response plan until the second week of May. 

Shravan Kumar Pokharel, Chairman of the DDC and Chief District Officer, has said that work has been advanced accordingly.

With the onset of the summer season, all local levels are preparing and implementing their action plans for fire prevention and mitigation of heat-related risks in the district.

They are arranging for the publication and dissemination of awareness messages in various languages for fire prevention and control. Everyone has been informed about conducting awareness campaigns, keeping fire engines in the district standby for fire control and updating the list of fire engines in neighboring districts.

As per the District Disaster Management Committee, the parks in Banke and Bardiya have been urged to collaborate with the local authorities for prevention and control efforts, given the recurring wildfires in Banke and Bardiya that often impact nearby communities.

The DDMC prepares and implements an annual pre-preparedness and response plan for the entire district every year.