PM urges all to stand united at moment of unforeseen disaster

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Oct. 2: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has called on Nepali citizens to come together in the moment of grief and show resilience after the devastating floods and landslides that struck the nation on September 27 and 28.

The Prime Minister made this remark at a press conference held at the Prime Minister’s office in Singha Durbar on Tuesday.

In a pressing response to the devastating floods, landslides, and inundation, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stressed on the government’s commitment to immediate relief efforts. 

The recent natural disaster resulted in the tragic loss of 224 lives, left 24 individuals missing, and injured 158 others. Over 4,300 people have been rescued from high-risk areas, showcasing the urgency of the government’s response.

“Our commitment to assisting those affected is unwavering,” said PM Oli. He elaborated on the extensive measures the government has implemented to provide relief, assuring the public that search and rescue operations are anticipated to conclude within next two days. “This pain is not only the government’s problem, but the whole society’s problem. We are all saddened by the disaster,” he added.

The financial implications of the disaster are staggering, with the government estimating damages at around Rs. 17 billion. The areas hardest hit encompass 21 districts, including Kavrepalanchok, Lalitpur, Dhading, Kathmandu, Sindhupalchok, Sindhuli, and Makwanpur. These regions experienced the worst of the calamity, necessitating an organised and robust response from the state.

Chief Secretary Eknarayan Aryal provided a detailed impact assessment, indicating that vital infrastructure, including water supply systems, roads, and energy facilities, has sustained extensive damage. He reported that the estimated cost for repairing the water supply alone stands at Rs. 3.55 billion, while road infrastructure has incurred damages amounting to Rs. 2.52 billion, energy infrastructures damages amounting to Rs. Rs 4 billion and irrigation sector damages at Rs. 1 billion. Moreover, the disaster has significantly affected 34 under-construction hydropower projects, hampering the nation’s energy production capabilities.

Prime Minister Oli underscored the government’s proactive measures to address the immediate health concerns arising from the disaster. He assured that necessary precautions have been taken to provide free medical treatment for those injured, as well as to prevent potential health crises that could arise in the aftermath of such a catastrophic event. “We are focused on restoring basic services including water supply, roads, and electricity as quickly as possible,” he said.

In a bid to streamline relief distribution, the government has initiated a one-door system to ensure that aid reaches affected individuals efficiently and without delay. 

Additionally, temporary housing provisions are being established for those who have been rendered homeless as a result of the floods. These measures aim to alleviate the immediate suffering of those affected and restore some sense of normalcy in their lives.

Prime Minister Oli called for national solidarity during this challenging time, urging citizens to prioritize communal support and refrain from politicizing the disaster. “This is the time to engage in rescue, relief, and reconstruction work for the people are suffering. We must face this common disaster united,” he said.

Reflecting on the government’s preparations leading up to the disaster, the Prime Minister acknowledged that the scale of the flooding and landslides was unforeseen. “We did not think there would be this kind of rain, landslides, and human and physical damage,” he said. He also conceded the shortcomings in the government’s disaster response, stating that the lessons learned from this catastrophe would be instrumental in guiding future improvements in infrastructure and preparedness.

Despite these challenges, Prime Minister Oli praised the efforts of security personnel who played a crucial role in the rescue operations. “More than 4,000 people were rescued thanks to our government’s proactive measures. If we had not acted swiftly, many would not have survived,” he said, underscoring the importance of timely action during such crises.

In recognition of the significant loss of life and the challenges faced by those affected, the government has declared three days of mourning, during which flags will be flown at half-mast. Prime Minister Oli expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, describing this moment as a national tragedy that transcends political divisions. “We stand together in our grief and pledge to rebuild and support one another,” he said.

Prime Minister Oli highlighted the government’s determination to learn from this disaster to bolster future disaster preparedness. “We will ensure that the structures built in the future are capable of withstanding such calamities,” he said, reflecting a commitment to resilience in infrastructure planning.

Prime Minister Oli assured that the government is committed to recovering savings lost in cooperative schemes. “Cooperative victims should be listened to, the embezzled amount should be returned,” he said. Acknowledging challenges in the recovery process, he noted that some savings may be unrecoverable due to mismanagement and emphasised the importance of adhering to legal frameworks. 

“It’s not easy for the government like those who speak on social media,” he said, calling for unity as the nation also grapples with the ongoing flood disaster.

The Prime Minister concluded the press conference with a powerful call to all citizens for action, emphasising the importance of collective effort in the face of adversity. “Let us not allow this tragedy to separate us. Instead, let us work together to heal our nation and support each other through this difficult time,” he said.