Eight local governments join hands for disaster risk reduction

Nepalgunj, March 10: Eight local governments of Banke district signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for disaster risk reduction and management. 

The MoU was signed in a coordination meeting related to inter-municipal collaborations, coordination and experience sharing. 

According to the MoU, coordination, collaboration and resource sharing will be promoted among the local governments of the district to work effectively in the field of disaster risk reduction and management, following the best practices and learning. 

The shared document also stated extension of humanitarian, financial and technical support from one to another local government if necessary.

In addition, the MoU stated that the existing laws of the concerned local governments should be updated for exchanging support and cooperation in disaster management and providing fire engine service immediately to any local governments on demand. 

According to the MoU, all the local governments will update details of ambulances in their areas and make arrangements to provide immediate services during emergencies and disasters. 

All the local governments will establish and strengthen the local emergency operation centers to make the disaster information system effective, it is stated. 

According to the MoU, a certain quantity of the food, clothing, medications and temporary housing needed for rescue, relief and rehabilitation during the disaster will be arranged. 

Nepalgunj sub-metropolitan city mayor Prashant Bista, Kohalpur municipality mayor Purna Prasad Acharya, Rapti Sonari rural municipality chair Tapta Bahadur Poudel, among others, signed the MoU. 

On the occasion, mayor Bista said disaster management was a shared responsibility of all. (RSS)