Govt leaves no stone unturned for search and rescue efforts in flood-affected areas : Minister Dr Timilsina

Nuwakot, Sept 6: Minister for Information and Communications, Dr Bikram Timilsina, has said the government will leave no stone unturned for search and rescue in the areas affected by the recent floods in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems.

In his address to the District Disaster Management Committee meeting on Saturday, Minister Timilsina said there was adequate arrangement to accommodate disaster survivors at safe holding centres along with necessary medical treatment facilities following their search and rescue.

He made it clear that the government is now focused on recovery and reconstructions, while ensuring that affected people are rescued as soon possible through the mobilisation of over 21,000 joint security personnel in the disaster-hit areas.

As many as 25 helicopters, other necessary equipment and aid materials are assisting the search and rescue operations.

According to the Minister, security forces are working tirelessly in the affected areas. The successful rescue of several people trapped inside hydropower tunnels amidst the massive devastation by the disaster demonstrated the government’s seriousness, promptness and commitments in the disaster response.

Timilsina assured that no stone will be left unturned by the government to reach the affected areas and save lives, regardless of the cost. “No cost is high if it can save even a single life.”

The government is about to come with emergency and long-term plans for the recovery and reconstruction of the areas damaged by the August 26 Bhotekoshi flood, he said, urging one and all not to plan to rebuild settlement in the affected areas.

The Minister also added the government was also working to arrange alternative means of transportation in areas where roads were damaged and bridges swept away.

According to Committee coordinator and chief district officer Shambhu Regmi, a total of 2,604 persons were unaccounted for in the district since the flooding. So far, 193 bodies have been retrieved, while 66 are being treated at various hospitals.

A total of 2,714 from the affected settlements have been accommodated at relief camps of 25 locations. #rss