Community disaster response drill concludes in Koshi

By Sachin Pokhrel.Itahari, June 11: A two-day integrated community disaster response exercise named 'Exercise Monsoon-5' was successfully conducted by Ramdhuni Municipality, Sunsari. The drilling was coordinated by the Bhagwatidal Battalion of the Nepali Army.

On the first day, a tabletop exercise was held at Itahari Sub-Metropolitan City-1, during which various topics were discussed, including identifying short and alternative routes for the quick and effective deployment of rescue teams during disasters, utilising available rescue materials, and selecting suitable helicopter landing sites.

Chief District Officer of Sunsari, Dharmendra Kumar Mishra, expressed the view that rescue operations would become more effective when all mechanisms got united in disaster management. 

Acting Chief of Itahari Sub-Metropolitan City, Sangita Kumari Chaudhary, recalled the notable work done by the Nepali Army in the past and emphasised the need for stronger engagement in controlling and reducing future disasters and risks.

Similarly, Ramdhuni Municipality Mayor Shankarlal Chaudhary stressed the importance of regularly conducting such exercises as they boost rescue capacity, energy and confidence.

The district-level exercise, led by Battalion Commander Rajun Bhujoo of the Bhagwatidal Battalion, included participation from representatives of the Environment and Disaster Management Sections of all 12 local units of the district, security agencies and stakeholders.

On the second day, a joint exercise was held in the Chausaththi Bigha area of Ramdhuni Municipality-7. Participants regarded the exercise as highly successful and useful, emphasising effective strategy development for disaster management through the active collaboration, coordination, and synergy of the Nepali Army, various security and administrative agencies, and community sectors.

Chief District Officer Mishra, Mayor Chaudhary, heads of different security agencies, representatives of all 12 local levels of Sunsari, teachers, students, and other stakeholders totaling around 200 people, were present at the event, according to Pramod Kumar Chaudhary, Chief Administrative Officer of Ramdhuni Municipality.