PM Oli pledges to make preparedness effective

Kathmandu, Jan 15: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stressed the need for effective preparedness from all quarters to stay safe from natural disasters like earthquakes. 

In his address to a major function organised by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), commemorating the 27th National Earthquake Safety Day today, the Prime Minister said the integrated settlements developed after the 2015 earthquake are relatively safe.     

However, he was concerned over the issues of employment and income generation in such settlements.     

Stating that although earthquakes are unavoidable for us, we have ways to mitigate the loss by making quake-resistant houses and structures, the Prime Minister said the month of Magh (January-February) has been dedicated to commemorate Nepal's Great earthquake in 1990 BS and martyrs of Nepal who lost their lives to the movement for restoring democracy in Nepal.     

"After the 2015 Gorkha quake, we have accomplishments in rebuilding and our further efforts be focused on ensuring more safe and systematized settlements in the days to come by utilising skills used during the reconstruction drive," he said.     

"Time warrants us to seriously engage in disaster preparedness in consultations with experts and the government will lead this initiation."     

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development, Prakash Man Singh, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Devendra Dahal, and House of Representatives (HoR) member Rajendra KC were among those present at the function. (RSS)