Minister Lekhak clarifies on Nakkhu area rescue

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Oct. 2: Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak claimed that the government has been prioritising search and rescue, relief, medical treatment, and restoration of road services following the disaster. 

Speaking at the meeting of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Minister Lekhak stated that the government immediately engaged in search and rescue operations after the rain-induced disaster on September 27 and 28.

The Home Minister clarified that while the government had made efforts to rescue civilians caught in the floods in Nakkhu, Lalitpur, it wasn’t possible despite their efforts.

“It’s not that the government was absent in Nakkhu or that we couldn’t reach there. We did try. Armed Police Force, Nepal Police were also there. The police tried to rescue them,” Minister Lekhak said. “We even attempted a helicopter rescue, but it wasn’t possible due to unfavorable weather conditions. Despite trying, they were swept away. Three people were rescued, while two are still missing. It’s not that the government wasn’t present, didn’t go, or didn’t care. We did make efforts,” Minister Lekhak clarified.

Responding to criticism from lawmakers about Nakkhu, he explained that although both the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police had arrived for rescue, adverse weather made it impossible to carry out the operation.

“The Home Ministry has stated that Lalitpur district can provide the announced compensation of Rs. 200,000 to the victims’ families today. Necessary funds have been dispatched to the District Management Committees from the authority. If there is a shortage of funds for relief, it has been made clear that additional funds will be made available immediately,” he said.

He added that the government is focused on search and rescue, relief, medical treatment of the injured, and resumption of road traffic.

Informing that 218 individuals have died so far due to the disaster, he said that 143 people are injured while 27 are still missing.

Minister Lekhak also stated that the Nepali Army, Armed Police Force, Nepal Police, and volunteers have successfully rescued 4,222 people as of Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Committee has directed the government to immediately rescue passengers stranded on various roads and ensure they reach their destinations.

The State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of the House of Representatives issued the directive to the government following the heavy rains on September 27 and 28, which caused floods, landslides, and inundations, leaving travelers stranded on various highways.

In its meeting on Tuesday, the committee also directed the government to make all necessary preparations to prevent further loss of life and property. It instructed the government to expedite relief and rehabilitation efforts with urgency.

Additionally, the committee called for the repair and maintenance of damaged roads to resume road transport services and prevent an increase in airfare. It also directed the government to manage air transport for districts without road access and to control the rising prices of essentials like food, vegetables, and fruits, according to committee chairperson Ramhari Khatiwada.