Oli and Shahi criticize government's disaster management

CPN-UML chairman KP Oli and Rastriya Prajatantra Party parliamentary party leader Gyanendra Shahi have raised questions over the government's role in disaster management.

Speaking at the party's 'Mission Party Awakening' campaign and a gathering of lead cadres, chairman Oli alleged that instead of being accountable to the people, the government has focused on stunts. He said government helicopters were misused and relief and rescue did not arrive on time when floods hit Bhotekoshi and Trishuli.

He also alleged that some ministers used government helicopters as if they were the private property of an institution, saying such lapses must not be repeated this time. Oli said foreign assistance was not accepted in time and could not be put to proper use, and criticized the government for not even showing the generosity of forming an all-party committee.

Meanwhile, RPP's Shahi warned that if lessons are not learned in time from the Budhigandaki and Bhotekoshi floods and landslides, there could be major losses. Through social media, he urged that work to relocate at-risk settlements along riverbanks to safe places begin immediately.

Shahi said the country is at high risk of glacier and glacial lake outburst floods, stressing that preparation must come before disaster rather than rescue after it, and urged everyone to remain alert to reduce potential damage.