Losses from predictable disasters must be minimised: Minister Aryal

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Nov. 20: Minister for Home Affairs Om Prakash Aryal has emphasised that cold waves and snowfall are predictable natural events, underscoring the need to strengthen scientific forecasting and early-warning systems. 

Minister Aryal instructed all concerned authorities to remain in a state of preparedness for 24-hours.

Stating that preventing and minimising losses from natural disasters requires a unified voice and commitment from all state and stakeholder institutions, Minister Aryal remarked that safeguarding human life and property must be a shared national responsibility.

Speaking at a ‘Dialogue on Disaster with the Home Minister’ organised by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) on Wednesday, Minister Aryal said, “Weather forecasts and early warnings issued by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology must reach at-risk groups, regions and communities in a timely manner through radio, television, SMS, social media and local alert mechanisms.” He added that both the Ministry and the Authority must take the lead in this effort.

Minister Aryal noted that the implementation of the two national action plans on cold waves and snowfall, prepared and issued by NDRRMA on Wednesday, requires equal responsibility for all three tiers of government, development partners, media institutions and the private sector.

“Preparedness and response to cold waves and snowfall constitute a national challenge,” he said. “To implement these action plans effectively, it is essential to mobilise budgetary and other resources, strengthen institutional capacity, enhance coordination among concerned agencies, and ensure that vulnerable communities receive forecasts, early warnings, safety measures, shelter, relief and rescue support.”

Highlighting that sustainable crisis management depends on participation, coordination and clearly defined roles, he stressed that cold waves and snowfall disproportionately affect the elderly, children, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, impoverished households and those living in temporary winter shelters. 

He therefore directed all responsible agencies to prioritise preparedness and response for these high-risk groups and regions.

At the event, NDRRMA Chief Executive Officer Dinesh Prasad Bhatt said that the Authority has been working under a proactive rather than reactive model, which has contributed to a reduction in monsoon-related disasters. He added that the action plans must be implemented in a way that minimises losses during the expected heavy snowfall and severe cold this winter. Following Minister Aryal’s instruction to prepare proactively—similar to the monsoon season—the Ministry and the Authority have already begun advancing early preparedness measures, Bhatt said.

During the programme, Minister Aryal also held a live video interaction with the Chief District Officers of Mahottari, Rautahat, Manang and Solukhumbu to review preparedness measures and action plans aimed at protecting citizens from potential snowfall and cold-wave impacts this winter.