102 people die in water-induced disasters, Home Ministry says

Kathmandu / Aug 1: The Home Ministry has said that a total of 102 people lost their life to water-induced disasters that occurred in different parts of the country since July 25.

Home Minister Bhim Bahadur Rawal informed the second meeting of the Legislature-Parliament Monday that 102 people were killed in the recent incidents of floods, landslides and inundations that hit 43 districts across the country.

Likewise, 22 have been reported missing while 58 were injured. Home Minister Rawal, who also holds the portfolio of the Defence Ministry, said all bodies concerned including respective ministries, security bodies, District Administration Offices have been mobilised for rescue and relief efforts.

The July 29 meeting of the Central Natural Disaster Rescue Committee had directed the bodies concerned to reach out to the disaster survivors with foodstuff, clothes, utensils and medicines, he said. The Council of Ministers decided to release additional Rs 750 million to carry out rescue and relief efforts.

Pyuthan, Baglung and Banke are the most affected, according to the Home Ministry. Moreover, people of the vulnerable areas have been warned of the occurrence of additional disasters.

The Health Ministry is on alert to the possible outbreak of epidemic in the disasters-hit zones and both air and land routes have been used to transport relief materials to the affected districts.

People affected by the flooded Rapti River have been rescued. Responding to queries from lawmakers about the recent Tilathi incident, he said the incident, in which people from both Nepal and India clashed over the issue of dam construction, took place when the Tilathi folks insisted on the construction of a dam along the Khado River on the Nepal-India border only a study of site.

The Home Ministry has already asked the Indian side not to construct any structure there as of now. The government has arranged for free treatment of those including Dev Naryan Yadav left injured in the incident.

In his response to lawmakers’ query about the rumours that Koshi Barrage was likely under a threat of the terrorist attack, he said the government was able to ensure security of its properties. RSS