PM Karki assures full state support amidst flood risks

 

Prime Minister Sushila Karki has assured citizens that all state resources are at their disposal during the ongoing disaster situation. Addressing the nation, she urged people to remain vigilant as continuous rainfall has heightened risk levels across the country.

PM Karki emphasized that government agencies are fully prepared for rescue and relief operations despite adverse natural conditions. “At this time, the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, Nepali Army, administrative bodies, health workers, and other service agencies are ready 24/7 to provide emergency assistance and secure high-risk areas,” she said.

She added that all available resources have been deployed in coordination with national and local agencies. The Prime Minister warned citizens in flood-prone or landslide-risk areas to prioritize the safety of life and property, assess risks before undertaking any action, and follow all official warnings and directives issued by police and disaster management offices.

“Your safety is our utmost concern. Do not hesitate to seek necessary assistance. Recognizing the potential disaster risks, the government has declared public holidays nationwide on Oct 5 and 6,” she stated. PM Karki concluded by reassuring the public: “We understand your concerns and difficulties. You are not alone, all state resources are with you.”

Govt requests helicopters to stay on standby

The Ministry of Home Affairs has requested private helicopter operators to keep their aircraft on standby to assist with rescue and relief operations amid ongoing heavy rainfall across several provinces.

According to forecasts from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, from Oct 4–6, Koshi Province to Lumbini Province is expected to experience heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms. The Ministry warned that the intense rainfall could trigger floods, landslides, and inundation, affecting vulnerable communities.

In coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority and based on existing agreements with private operators, the Ministry instructed that helicopters be ready for immediate deployment upon written or verbal request for search and rescue, relief distribution, relocation, and rehabilitation efforts.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has been asked to facilitate coordination and ensure smooth operational readiness.

Two-day holiday announced as flood threats rise

The government has announced public holidays tomorrow and the day after.

Considering the heavy rainfall and associated risks, the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that all offices across Nepal, except those related to disaster management and essential services, will remain closed on Oct 5 and 6.

Home Minister inspects Nepal Police Disaster Management Office

Minister for Home, Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Om Prakash Aryal inspected the Nepal Police Disaster Management Office at Samakhushi on Friday and instructed the police personnel present. During the visit, Minister Aryal observed a simulated disaster rescue drill, inspected the disaster response equipment and the Police Disaster Response Team, and received a briefing on related activities.

Speaking at a program held after the inspection, Minister Aryal praised the efforts of Nepal Police in disaster management despite limited resources and training. He instructed the personnel to remain on constant readiness with high morale to be mobilized immediately to minimize loss of lives and property in case of potential disasters.

On the occasion, Additional Inspector General (AIG) Siddhi Bikram Shah, head of the Operations Department at Nepal Police Headquarters, expressed gratitude, while Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Santosh Kumar Bhattarai, chief of the Disaster Management Office, gave a presentation on disaster incidents, police mobilization, monsoon preparedness, response plans, requirements for effective response, and future strategies.

The program was attended by AIG Dan Bahadur Karki, chief of Kathmandu Valley Police Office, senior police officials, and police personnel.