Govt pledges full search, rescue effort in flood-hit areas

TRISHULI: Minister for Information and Communication Dr Bikram Timilsina has said the government will leave no stone unturned in conducting search and rescue operations in areas affected by recent floods in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems.

Addressing a meeting of the District Disaster Management Committee on Saturday, Dr Timilsina said safe holding centres had adequate arrangements to accommodate survivors after their rescue, along with essential medical treatment facilities.

He said the government was focused on recovery and reconstruction while working to rescue affected people as quickly as possible. More than 21,000 personnel from the joint security forces have been mobilised in disaster-hit areas, supported by 25 helicopters, essential equipment and relief supplies.

According to the minister, security personnel are working tirelessly across the affected areas. He said the successful rescue of several people trapped in hydropower tunnels amid widespread devastation showed the government’s seriousness, prompt action and commitment to disaster response.

Dr Timilsina assured residents that the government would make every effort to reach affected communities and save lives, regardless of the expense.

“No cost is high if it can save even a single life,” he said.

The government is preparing emergency and long-term plans for the recovery and reconstruction of areas damaged by the Bhotekoshi flood on 26 August, the minister said. He urged people not to rebuild settlements in the affected locations.

Dr Timilsina added that the government was working to arrange alternative transport in areas where roads had been damaged and bridges swept away.

District Disaster Management Committee coordinator and Chief District Officer Shambhu Regmi said 2,604 people had been reported missing in the district since the flooding. So far, 193 bodies have been recovered and 66 injured people are receiving treatment at various hospitals.

A total of 2,714 residents from affected settlements have been accommodated in relief camps at 25 locations.

(With inputs from RSS)