Kathmandu. The government has announced a ban on night vehicles in high-risk areas in view of the risk of floods and landslides along with the monsoon.
A meeting of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council chaired by Acting Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh took the decision on Sunday. The council said it was part of a broader strategy to enhance disaster preparedness and ensure public safety during the monsoon.
The Council has also directed the concerned bodies to alert the residents of vulnerable areas during heavy rains and encourage them to take necessary precautions.
The meeting has banned the operation of night vehicles in the Kaligandaki Corridor.
In addition to a ban on plying of night vehicles in vulnerable areas, the Council called for immediate reporting and rescue arrangements in disaster-affected areas. Agencies responsible for disaster management have been directed to remain on high alert and deploy response teams without delay in the event of incidents.
In the meeting, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak claimed that both Nepal Army and private sector helicopters have been kept ready for possible rescue operations while keeping the three national security forces on high alert.
Local authorities have already been instructed to stop vehicular movement on roads identified as high risk based on weather forecasts.
In the meeting, the Home Minister said in a cautionary manner that if this directive is violated, the Chief District Officer and the Police Chief of the last post will be held accountable for any resulting incidents.
The government has decided to use SMS and radio television to disseminate information to the general public regarding floods and landslides. In addition, a campaign will be launched to spread awareness among the general public to prepare for security against disasters.
