Kathmandu—Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has called for the establishment of emergency warehouses at all local levels to enhance disaster preparedness and response mechanisms. Speaking at the inaugural session of the "Dialogue on Disasters with the Home Minister" held today, Minister Lekhak emphasized the critical role of local governments in mitigating disaster risks and managing responses.
“Local levels are the first responders during disasters, and their capacity must be strengthened,” he said. Minister Lekhak proposed designating a room within municipal offices as an emergency warehouse to store essential supplies. He further urged federal and provincial governments to support these initiatives while placing the foundation at the local level.
During discussions with the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the minister suggested advancing disaster alert systems by introducing ringtone-based notifications alongside existing text message alerts. “Timely and smarter early warnings are crucial to minimizing risks and damages,” he remarked.
Collaborative Approach to Disaster Risk Reduction
Highlighting the importance of collective action, Minister Lekhak stated that the integration of knowledge, skills, and experiences from all stakeholders could significantly improve disaster risk management. “Disaster management is not only about response but also about protecting citizens from potential risks, and the media has a vital role in raising awareness,” he added.
The dialogue also featured insights from Engineer Dinesh Bhatt, Executive Chief of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority. Bhatt announced that preparations for this year’s monsoon response plan are underway, with a focus on concise strategies and clear allocation of responsibilities. He reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to working with academic institutions and media organizations to enhance disaster risk reduction.
Focus on Monsoon Preparedness
The event centered on monsoon preparedness and response, bringing together subject-matter experts, community leaders, and stakeholders. Participants provided valuable suggestions on how the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Disaster Management Authority can address challenges and enhance readiness for the monsoon season.
The dialogue marked a significant step toward building resilience and strengthening the country’s disaster management framework.
