The Council of Ministers has decided to release Rs 1 billion for the Disaster Relief Fund as part of the government's efforts to accelerate rescue and relief operations for communities affected by recent disasters.
As per the Cabinet decision on Monday evening, the Ministry of Finance will immediately provide Rs 1 billion to the Fund in line with the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act 2074 BS,
The Cabinet also declared a three-day period of national mourning and ordered the national flag to be flown at half-mast in memory of those who lost their lives in floods, landslides, and inundation caused by heavy rainfall on September 27 and 28, informed Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung.
Minister Gurung added that the government will prioritize search, rescue, and relief efforts, including free medical treatment, temporary housing, and security arrangements for displaced families. Additionally, the government will ensure proper treatment for those seriously injured.
The Cabinet directed relevant ministries to submit an immediate assessment of the damage and losses caused by the disasters to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.
Efforts to restore essential services, such as drinking water, bridges, roads, telecommunications, and electricity, are also underway. As per the Cabinet decision, the federal ministries will collaborate with provincial ministries and local governments to control the spread of infectious diseases and relocate vulnerable communities to safer areas. The private sector will also be involved in these initiatives, Minister Gurung added.
Furthermore, the government has decided to improve public transport services during the upcoming festivals and also aims to prevent artificial shortages and black-marketing.
Minister Gurung noted that a team, including representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, will be formed and deployed in coordination with provincial and local authorities to conduct an on-site study of relief and rescue operations in the most affected districts.
The Council of Ministers also decided to contribute one month’s salary from each minister to the Disaster Survivors Relief Fund. The meeting expressed condolences to the bereaved families and paid tribute to those who died in the floods and landslides. It also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who returned home on Monday after attending the 79th General Assembly of the United Nations, convened the Council of Ministers meeting immediately upon his arrival. -- RSS