KATHMANDU: Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has emphasized the need for effective disaster management and enhanced citizen engagement, citing the changing national context and heightened sensitivity of Nepal’s security environment.

Addressing a virtual monsoon-related disaster dialogue held on forecasts of moderate to heavy rainfall in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces from October 2–5, Minister Aryal highlighted that good governance and uninterrupted public service must remain a priority even during disaster response operations.

The meeting, held under Minister Aryal’s chairmanship with special guest Home Secretary Rameshwar Dangal, brought together officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), the heads of four security agencies and their disaster focal points, as well as Chief District Officers and members of District Security Committees from all 77 districts.

Minister Aryal urged all stakeholders to prioritize coordination, collaboration, and effective communication to minimize potential damage to life and property.

Home Secretary Dangal stressed that the NDRRMA at the national level, along with District Security Committees and Disaster Management Committees at the district level, must take the lead in disaster preparedness, search, and rescue operations under a unified policy framework. He also instructed the activation of monsoon response command posts at central and district levels to ensure readiness for potential emergencies.

Executive Chief of NDRRMA, Dinesh Bhatt, who chaired the meeting, underscored the need for all responsible agencies to remain active in line with the National Monsoon Preparedness and Response Plan, 2082. He also informed that discussions with designated Leads and Co-Leads have been scheduled for October 2 to strengthen coordination.

The meeting established a clear understanding that District Disaster Management Committees will coordinate with local bodies and all disaster-related agencies, while the NDRRMA will liaise with security agencies, Leads, Co-Leads, private sector actors, and the media.

Authorities directed district administrations to suspend all types of vehicular operations in high-risk areas as per the forecast. The public has been cautioned to avoid non-essential travel from October 2–5. All security agencies, volunteers, and related mechanisms are to remain fully prepared with search and rescue materials. Leads and Co-Leads will operate in full compliance with the National Monsoon Preparedness and Response Plan, 2082.

The meeting also resolved that the National Emergency Operations Center and district-level centers will remain fully operational 24/7 during this period, and emergency warehouses will be kept ready for immediate deployment.