Emergency warehouse handed over to provincial govt

By Abinash Chaudhary,Dhangadhi, Mar. 12: The federal government has officially transferred an emergency warehouse to the Sudurpashchim provincial government to enhance disaster preparedness and response.

Located at Dhangadhi Airport, the warehouse was constructed by the World Food Programme (WFP) and was previously under federal jurisdiction. It stores essential supplies for disaster response, management, rescue, 

and relief. 

During a handover ceremony on Tuesday, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak handed the facility over to Sudurpashchim Province Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah. 

The warehouse will now be managed by the province’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law. Speaking at the event, Home Minister Lekhak stressed the unpredictability of disasters.

 “We are at risk at all times. Disasters can strike anywhere, anytime,” he stated. He highlighted that the provincial government will now be responsible for the warehouse’s management and utilisation 

as needed.

He further noted that both the federal and provincial governments would continue supplying the warehouse with necessary resources. 

He urged the province to establish similar facilities at the local level. “Allocating grants for local-level warehouses is crucial, as local governments are the first responders in any disaster,” he said.

Minister Lekhak pointed out that disaster management efforts must be decentralised, as handling floods in Kailali and Kanchanpur from Kathmandu is impractical. 

“Management is a local business, and every municipality should have a warehouse,” he emphasised.

Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Shah reaffirmed the province’s commitment to expanding emergency warehouses and ensuring adequate provision of 

relief materials. 

He assured that the provincial government would work closely with the federal government to strengthen disaster preparedness. 

“We will collaborate with local governments and proceed in alignment with federal guidance,” he stated.

Highlighting the region’s vulnerability to disasters, Shah stressed the urgency of proactive measures. 

He warned that a major earthquake exceeding 7 on the Richter scale could devastate settlements in the hilly areas. 

“Many homes, built with traditional stone structures, are at high risk. Various agencies have already warned about the potential for a severe earthquake,” he said.

Shah also praised the federal government’s initiatives in strengthening disaster response systems. Recalling his visit to Bajhang three days after an earthquake struck three years ago, he expressed concern over past relief efforts. 

“It was disheartening to see the Prime Minister, ministers, and MPs arrive by helicopter to distribute individual relief packages. What message does that send?” he questioned. 

Stressing the need for a more coordinated approach, Shah called for an integrated system to streamline relief distribution and ensure timely assistance in times of crisis.