HoR session: Lawmakers demand timely, effective, coordinated disaster-preparedness efforts

Kathmandu, May 14:  Since the past of 28 days (April 14 to May 11), the country recorded 132 incidences of disasters with 21 deaths and the property losses equivalent to Rs 170 million. 

This was cited in a zero session of the House of Representatives (HoR) today, the upper house members drew the government's attention to the urgency of taking timely, coordinated and effective measures to minimize losses from potential incidents of disasters.  

Warning of the commencement of pre-monsoon season, they said passengers are fearful of possible consequences during the travel to see the conditions of roadways.  They urged the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) to consider the needs of those districts vulnerable to disasters and implement special plans to minimize the potential risks and losses. 

They called for restoring the roadways in various districts such as Dang, Okhaldhunga, Sunsari  and highways and major routes the BP Highway and the  road linking Nepal with China's major transit point in Tatopani in Sindhupalchowk damaged by previous floods and landslides before the monsoon arrives.

Madhav Sapkota, Rukmini Rana Baraili, Rama Koirala Paudel , Bhagawati Chaudhary, 

Ramhari Khatiwada, Man Bahadur Gurung, Bhim Prasad Acharya, Menaka Kumari Pokharel and Ranendra Baraili were among those drawing the government's attention towards this end.  

Mina Tamang drew to government's attention to address the concerns raised during the parliamentary sessions. 

Maina Karki expressed her concerns over the absence of survivors' representation in the commission formed to address the incidents dating back to the conflict.  She called for addressing this gap.  (RSS)