Around 2 million people likely to be affected from upcoming monsoon-induced disasters

KATHMANDU, MAY 29: As many as two million people from approximately 450,000 households are likely to be affected by this year’s monsoon. The very assessment was made in yesterday's 32nd meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Executive Committee, chaired by Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.

The committee approved the Monsoon Preparedness and Response National Action Plan, 2082 BS, which was developed after analyzing multiple factors based on data from the Department of Meteorology.

Ram Bahadur KC, Spokesperson for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), informed RSS that the action plan was formulated with the estimation that 10 percent of the affected population may require rescue and relief support.

A committee led by the NDRRMA, with representatives from various stakeholder ministries and departments, has projected that monsoon-related disasters this year could impact around 457,145 households and a population of 1,997,731 across the country.

During the meeting, Dinesh Prasad Bhatta, Executive Chief of the NDRRMA and Secretary of the Executive Committee, presented a review of the decisions made at the 31st meeting and shared the monitoring report on the implementation status of several key policies, including the Emergency Warehouse Operation Procedure, 2081 BS (First Amendment), the National Strategic Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction (2018–2030), and proposals such as the management of the natural flow of the Bagmati River at the Chobhar Gorge.

According to spokesperson KC, the newly approved action plan includes the forecast for this year’s monsoon, the estimated caseload of people likely to be affected by disasters, and the responsibilities of relevant ministries, departments, and agencies regarding preparedness and response. It also outlines the monsoon preparedness and response action plans of specific sectors, provides the necessary contact details for coordination, and includes an inventory of essential materials and a roster of skilled human resources required for effective disaster response.

He further noted that the plan proposes monthly monitoring, evaluation, and review mechanisms to ensure timely and effective implementation.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecast extreme rainfall this monsoon, coupled with lower-than-average minimum temperatures and higher maximum temperatures. Based on this forecast and recommendations from stakeholders, the NDRRMA has prepared the national disaster response action plan accordingly.