View Points

As the rainy season continues, meteorologists estimate that this year will see more rainfall than average, potentially resulting in more casualties than last year. Even with normal rainfall in hilly areas, there is a high risk of landslides. Local governments have made various plans for managing, rescuing, and providing relief for floods and landslides caused by the rains. They are actively engaged in immediate rescue and relief work, managing relief funds, and running public awareness campaigns to reduce possible risks.

In the same context, here is an edited part of the conversation made by INSEC Palpa District Representative, Yagyamurthi Timilsina with six local level Chiefs of Palpa and Gulmi of Lumbini Province.

Santoshlal Shrestha

Mayor, Tansen Municipality

There is a Tansen Municipality Disaster Management Committee in Tansen Municipality coordinated by the Mayor. The committee includes Ward Chairpersons from all 14 wards, people from the education and health sectors, and various social organizations. The committee holds regular meetings. We have prepared an action plan to reduce fire risks during the fire season and to manage floods and landslides during the rainy season. Similarly, Tansen Municipality is focused on providing timely information about incidents, coordinating with the police administration, and managing rescue and relief efforts. Of the 14 wards ,11 are Rural Municipalities. During the rainy season, when roads collapse on one side and houses collapse on the other, the roads become blocked, preventing rescue teams from reaching the affected areas in time, which causes significant damage. Therefore, dozers are kept ready in the Municipality to repair the roads. We provide tarpaulins and other necessary materials immediately. If a problem cannot be solved by the Municipality, we make recommendations to the relevant agencies, provinces, and central authorities. The disaster management fund of the municipality has over Rs 1,00,00,000, which is used for action procedures.

Saraswati Darlami Chidi

Chairperson of Baganaskali Rural Municipality, Palpa

All nine wards of Bagnaskali Rural Municipality are at risk of landslides. The rural municipality has created a disaster action plan and formed a disaster management committee. The committee is headed by Executive Member Bomlal Sunar. Last year, disaster management materials were purchased and distributed to four police stations at the local level. Materials have been purchased this year as well. Public awareness information about measures to be adopted during the rainy season has been provided to citizens through the local level and wards. This year, first aid materials are also distributed to schools and police stations after providing first aid training to their representatives. Its purpose is to provide immediate first aid services in case of emergencies. If a house collapses and there is a need to install tarpaulins, the Rural Municipality will supply them. If the roads leading to the health post and schools are blocked, dozers will be deployed immediately to clear the way. The Rural Municipality has established financial support standards. This year, a budget of NPR 2,000,000 has been allocated to the disaster management fund. Financial assistance is being provided based on criteria for human casualties, damage to houses, barns, and livestock.

Narayan Bahadur Karki

Chairperson, Ribdikot Rural Municipality, Palpa

We have prepared to deploy disaster management, rescue, and relief volunteers at a rate of 10 people per ward in all eight wards within Ribdikot Rural Municipality. This process has already moved forward. Additionally, we have issued a public notice and informed the public not to leave their homes except for emergency work during the rainy season. During the rainy season, landslides occur in the hilly areas, making it difficult to reach houses where the roads are blocked, and rescue operations become challenging. Therefore, we have arranged for dozers to be placed in two locations in the Rural Municipality to keep the roads accessible. Likewise, the ambulance route is given priority. An action plan has been developed to ensure that the main road remains unblocked. Since most of the houses in this Rural Municipality are old, they are in danger of collapsing. Regarding this, we have been providing tarpaulins through Rural Municipality and ward offices. Furthermore, if the house cannot be lived in, the affected families will be accommodated in a safe place with necessary materials. The Rural Municipality has allocated Rs 2,000,000 for the relief fund this year. Relief will be provided from this fund according to the procedures.
 

Yamabahadur Chidi

Chairperson of Mathagadhi Rural Municipality, Palpa

We have prepared to send the disaster management materials purchased this year to the wards. We have purchased tarpaulins along with other rescue materials. In some cases, installing tarpaulins can reduce risk. Therefore, tarpaulins have been provided to houses at risk through the Rural Municipality and Ward offices. During the rainy season, water pipes often leak or get damaged, causing water supply problems, so new pipes have been purchased and stored as a precaution. The Rural Municipality has also purchased a dozer this year. We have started to mobilize dozers to clear the road immediately. There is a danger of getting swept away and dying while crossing the mountain, in the steep rivers. Additionally, we have issued a public notice not to go out of the house during the rainy season except for essential work. Earlier this week, three women in Mathagadhi Rural Municipality lost their lives after being swept away by a river. Relief will be provided to their families according to the relief fund procedures. Whenever a problem arises, citizens inform public representatives, and we coordinate with the police to carry out rescue and relief work.

Prem Shrestha

Chairperson, Ninau Rural Municipality, Palpa

All six wards within Tinau Rural Municipality are at risk of landslides. The Rural Municipality has developed a plan to minimize potential issues, create an environment that mitigates problems, and provide immediate rescue and relief in the event of damage. Public awareness materials have been distributed to communities through the Rural Municipality and ward offices. Additionally, we have been coordinating local police stations regarding this matter. We have also been coordinating with the Red Cross Society for relief efforts. The Municipality has purchased rescue materials and, this year, has also acquired a dozer. Having our own dozer allows us to quickly address road blockages. An action plan is in place to promptly clear essential roads when they are blocked. When roads are accessible, it is easier for the rescue team to reach the site and carry out rescue operations. This year, Rs 50,00,000 has been allocated for the disaster management fund of the rural municipality. We have developed an action plan to allocate the fund for rescue and relief efforts. Financial assistance and material purchases will adhere to established procedures. In case of emergencies, the municipality has an ambulance on standby to transport individuals to the hospital. Ambulance services are provided free of charge for disaster-affected individuals requiring medical treatment.

Yadu Gyawali 

Chairperson, Ruruchhetra Rural Municipality, Gulmi

We hold regular meetings of the disaster management committee not only during the rainy season but throughout the year. There is a clear action plan in place for timely facilitation, rescue, rehabilitation, and relief. Public awareness remains a top priority to ensure preparedness and effective response. To address this, public awareness about risk reduction has been expanded through media and village development committees. The Rural Municipality is primarily focused on preventing human harm. An initiative has been undertaken to ensure that routes from the village to the ward office and health post remain accessible, and this has been implemented effectively. We have been providing tarpaulins to prevent further damage to compromised houses and supply wire netting where needed. Additionally, we also arrange coordination with the provincial and federal governments if necessary. People’s representatives, along with technicians, have been visiting the damaged houses to gather detailed information about their condition. We have worked to ensure that people feel supported by the local government during their difficulties. The Rural Municipality has steep rivers, including the Kaligandaki, which pose risks during the rainy season. Special measures have been implemented to prevent human casualties from these rivers. The Rural Municipality has allocated Rs 50,00,000 to the disaster fund, which will be used for rescue and relief efforts according to established procedures. During the construction of the Madan Bhandari Road, which passes through this rural municipality, many houses in Thati and other areas are at risk. The District Administration, the Madan Bhandari Road construction project, and related construction professionals have been alerted to address and mitigate these risks.