Public safety govt’s top priority, says PM Karki as flood, landslide threat escalates

KATHMANDU: As floods and landslides continue to intensify with no sign of the rain abating, Prime Minister Karki, in a video message to the nation on Saturday evening, urged everyone not to hesitate in seeking help when needed.

“Before undertaking any activity, assess the risks in advance and give top priority to safety. Your safety is our highest concern. Please do not hesitate to seek necessary assistance,” she said. “We understand your worries and hardships. Let me make it clear that you are not alone. All state resources are with you.”

Floods and landslides, triggered by incessant rainfall, have disrupted life across the country. The government has already issued alerts and suspended long-haul vehicular movement. Local administration offices have been placed on high alert. With water levels rising, traffic along the river corridors in the Kathmandu Valley has been halted.

As life is thrown out of gear — and memories of last year’s deaths and devastation still fresh — concerns are growing over casualties and destruction. An utter lack of response from the then-government led by KP Sharma Oli had drawn flak from all quarters last year.

The Karki-led interim administration was formed last month following the fall of the Oli government, triggered by the Gen Z protests.

On Saturday, Karki stated that the country is at high risk of floods, landslides, inundation, and erosion — and warned that the situation is likely to worsen.

Despite the difficult circumstances, she said that all government bodies are fully prepared and working with high morale for rescue and relief efforts.

“In this challenging time, I want to assure all citizens that all government agencies are in a state of full readiness — with high morale — to carry out rescue and relief operations,” she said.

“We are currently facing a high risk of floods, landslides, inundation, and river erosion. The risk situation is escalating. The flow levels in rivers and streams are at a heightened alert level. With continued rainfall, there is a high probability of danger increasing. Many areas also face a significant risk of landslides,” she added in her video message.

The government has already declared a public holiday on Monday and Tuesday in view of the floods, landslides, and continuous rainfall.

Karki also said that the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, Nepali Army, health workers, administrative authorities, and other service-providing agencies are on 24-hour standby to provide emergency assistance to the public as quickly as possible.

Highlighting that major highways and other infrastructure are under active surveillance, she concluded by saying:

“Wherever you are, please stay safe and encourage others to do the same.”