Lawmakers have called on the government to assess risks and initiate timely preparations to reduce the impact of monsoon-induced disasters.

Speaking at a meeting of the National Assembly's Committee on Federalism Enablement and National Concerns on Thursday, lawmakers emphasized the need to begin disaster risk reduction measures before the onset of the monsoon season. The meeting reviewed current efforts in disaster risk reduction, response, and recovery, and discussed future plans.

Committee Chairperson Sonam Geljen Sherpa stressed the importance of effectively implementing government policies and plans related to disaster management. He highlighted the need for improved coordination among agencies, proper management of safety equipment, and timely relief distribution. “Local governments must be activated for swift and efficient rescue and relief operations, and allocating funds directly to local relief accounts will ensure faster response,” he said.

Lawmakers urged the government to adopt a proactive approach. MP Jag Prasad Sharma suggested leveraging information technology to strengthen disaster risk reduction efforts and emphasized the need to manage vulnerable settlements in advance.

MP Indira Devi Gautam called for the effective implementation of preparedness and response plans, while MP Udaya Bahadur Bohora urged early planning to ensure timely rescue and relief delivery.

Executive Chief of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), Dinesh Prasad Bhatta, informed the committee that most parts of the country are likely to experience above-average rainfall this monsoon, according to the latest climate assessment by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.

“There is a 55% to 65% chance of above-average rainfall in the eastern part of Karnali Province, the northern part of Lumbini Province, and most parts of Gandaki Province,” Bhatta said. “Similarly, the southern part of Sudurpaschim Province, the western part of Lumbini, and the northeastern parts of Gandaki, as well as northern Bagmati and Koshi Provinces, face a 45% to 55% chance of above-average rainfall.”

He said preparedness efforts will be strengthened this year to reduce risks more effectively than in previous years. Coordination among the federal, provincial, and local governments will be a key priority, he added.

Lawmakers Bishnukumari Sapkota, Rajendra Laxmi Gaire, Kiran Bahadur Shrestha, Narayan Dutta Mishra, and Gopi Bahadur Sarki Achhami also called for early preparations, timely relocation of at-risk communities, and a stronger focus on post-disaster rescue and relief. -- RSS