KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Balendra Shah has said the Nepali Army, Armed Police Force (APF) and Nepal Police have been mobilized for rescue and relief operations following severe flooding in Rasuwa.

According to Shah, additional security personnel and manpower have also been mobilized from neighboring districts to assist with the emergency response in affected areas.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has been activated, while coordination is underway with medical teams, scouts and the Red Cross. Arrangements have also been made to send additional ambulances and medical personnel to the affected areas.

In a social media post, Prime Minister Shah outlined six key measures being taken in response to the floods:

  • Security forces mobilized: The Nepal Army, APF and Nepal Police have been deployed for rescue and relief operations, with additional personnel brought in from other districts.
  • Emergency response strengthened: The Disaster Management Authority has been activated and is coordinating with medical teams, scouts and the Red Cross. Additional ambulances and medical personnel are being sent to affected areas.
  • Residents urged to move to safety: Chief district officers have been instructed to immediately relocate residents of low-lying and riverside areas to safer locations. People who have received alerts via SMS or phone calls have also been urged to move to safety.
  • Helicopters placed on standby: All available helicopters have been asked to remain on standby for potential rescue and relief operations. Private helicopter companies have also been requested to keep their aircraft ready.
  • High-level meeting convened: A high-level meeting has been called to assess the situation and take necessary decisions.
  • Public urged to remain safe: Shah has urged people to stay in safe locations and, if they have lost contact with relatives, wait for updates from rescue agencies. He said people can call 1234 for further information and assistance.

The government has urged residents in flood-prone and riverside areas to remain alert and follow instructions issued by security agencies and local authorities.