Home minister urges preparedness for cold waves, snowfall

KATHMANDU: Minister for Home Affairs Om Prakash Aryal has called for the initiation of preparedness and response strategies for cold waves and snowfall, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups, regions and communities.

Speaking at the "Disaster Dialogue" convened at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) today, Minister Aryal instructed concerned bodies to keep essential medicines and personnel on standby to address health issues arising from cold waves and snowfall.

Acknowledging that the government cannot tackle the challenge alone, Home Minister Aryal stressed the necessity of robust collaboration with national and international organisations, United Nations agencies, the media, local communities, civil society and the private sector. "We must foster partnerships in the storage of relief supplies, life‑saving materials, warm clothing, and food," he said.

The Home Minister informed the meeting that a national preparedness and response plan has been established to scientifically and effectively manage complex, high‑risk natural disasters such as cold waves and snowfall. "These disasters significantly affect indicators such as safety, livelihoods and health services. The safeguarding of human life and property is a collective responsibility. In executing the plan under the guidance of the authorities, the contributions of all three levels of government, non‑governmental organisations and civil society are equally crucial," he added.

NDRRMA chief executive officer Dinesh Prasad Bhatt said two action plans have been developed to prevent human casualties resulting from snowfall and cold waves. "This action plan, formulated after consultations with stakeholders, serves as a guideline for planning at the district and local levels," he noted, and urged Chief District Officers to implement pre‑emptive measures and respond effectively to reduce risks.

Chief District Officers engaged in preparedness and response activities shared updates via virtual participation, confirming that local preparedness and response plans have been formulated to reduce cold‑wave and snowfall risk.

Rautahat Chief District Officer Dinesh Sagar Bhusal said an estimated 2,877 households will be directly affected by the cold wave in the district, and preparations are underway to distribute blankets and firewood to at‑risk families. He warned of a local shortage of firewood and a practice of burning tyres in winter, and said alternatives to tyres will be provided. "We will also conduct a special campaign to prevent road accidents that may occur due to cold waves and dense fog," he said. He added that a campaign against drug and alcohol use to survive the cold wave will be launched from December 1.

Mahottari Chief District Officer Indradev Yadav said work has begun to identify people who could be affected by the cold wave and to develop local action plans.

Manang Chief District Officer Navaraj Paudyal said the district’s tourism business would be affected by snowfall and that preparations have been made to prevent tourists from visiting disaster‑prone areas. "The population of Manang is 5,658, and during snowfall, the locals here generally stay outside the district. Priority should be given to rescuing tourists stranded in the snow," he said.

Solukhumbu Chief District Officer Leela Kumari Pandey informed the meeting that 70% of the district's area falls in the high mountainous region and said preparations are being made to develop and implement a snowfall preparedness and response plan.

By RSS