Along with carving out a detailed reconstruction and rehabilitation plan, the government is preparing to create temporary shelters and storages for basic essentials
Along with carving out a detailed reconstruction and rehabilitation plan, the government is preparing to create temporary shelters and storages for basic essentials for the earthquake victims ahead of the monsoon season.
With around six weeks left before the monsoon season, the government has a tough task ahead in handling the logistics—from managing essential items that include corrugated galvanised iron sheets, tents, food and medicine to supplying them to the affected districts before the rainy season arrives.
Since most of the quake-affected districts have been cut off, with highways in bad shape, the timely delivery of relief materials—on helicopters—has become extremely crucial.
Officials said the government plans to unveil an outline of the relief and reconstruction plan in Parliament on Thursday. The short-term relief plan, according to the officials, will focus on helping the quake-affected people to tide over the monsoon.
“For the next 5 to 6 months, we have to build temporary shelters, for which the government began preparations from Tuesday,” said Minendra Rijal, minister for information and communication, adding that he has intensified consultations with the line ministries toward this end.
Government officials say they have already started importing corrugated galvanised iron sheets essential for building temporary houses. Many international organisations, private firms and individuals have already expressed willingness to provide assistance for building temporary shelters. However, said Minister Rijal, the government wants to undertake all the tasks through the state machinery. “That is why we are working to take all the parties into confidence for all relief and reconstruction works,” he added.
The Ministry of Health and Population is also preparing to send medicines and health professionals to the affected districts.
Minister for Health and Population Khaga Raj Adhikari said his ministry has already sent medicines to some district health offices. “We have instructed the district health offices to dispatch the necessary medicines to the village-level health posts in most affected districts,” said Adhikari. He said that awareness campaigns will also be launched in the quake-affected regions to prevent possible disease outbreaks.
25.55°C Kathmandu
