APF conducts disaster response simulation drill in Rapti River

By Siraj Khan,Nepalgunj, May 15: In a proactive move to bolster disaster preparedness ahead of the monsoon season, the Province-level Disaster Management Team of the Armed Police Force (APF) No. 42 Shumshergunj Reserve Battalion, Banke, conducted a large-scale simulated emergency response drill in the Rapti River at Agaiya.

According to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the APF Bindhyabasini Headquarters, Rupandehi, Dipendra Kunwar, the exercise focused on search and rescue operations for drowning incidents, and covered key aspects of pre-disaster planning and emergency response.

He emphasised that with the monsoon rains expected soon, such drills were vital to ensure efficient and timely evacuation of affected locals to safer locations.

Speaking at the event, Lumbini Province’s Minister for Internal Affairs and Law, Aadesh Kumar Agrawal, lauded the APF's crucial role in disaster management. 

He stated that exercises like these not only refresh operational readiness but also significantly enhance the skillset and confidence of the APF personnel. Minister Agrawal also reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to supporting the Armed Police Force in their disaster preparedness and response initiatives.

Chairperson of Rapti Sonari Rural Municipality Tapta Bahadur Paudel and Banke’s Assistant Chief District Officer Umakanta Adhikari also expressed confidence in the value of such simulation exercises in managing water-induced disasters.

Coinciding with the event, the Armed Police Force’s Bindhyabasini Headquarters also concluded a 12-day specialised diving training programme. Ten APF personnel were trained under the programme, conducted in coordination with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law of Lumbini Province. Minister Agrawal distributed certificates to both the trainees and participants of the simulated disaster drill.

Among those present at the event were Lok Bahadur Sunar, Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law, Senior Superintendent of Police Gangaram Shrestha (Principal of APF Training Centre Nauwasta), Superintendent of Police Pramod Kumar Bharti of Shumshergunj Reserve Battalion, SP Shobha Kanta Khanal of APF Battalion No. 30 Bageshwari, APF Chief of Bardiya Man Bahadur Shahi, Deputy Superintendent of Police Dipak Paatli from District Police Office Banke, President of Federation of Nepali Journalists (Banke Chapter) Nabin Giri, and President of Nepal Red Cross Society (Banke Chapter) Govardhan Singh Samjhna, among others.