Kathmandu [Nepal], September 2 – House of Representatives on Wednesday unanimously passed a special motion on the devastating Bhotekoshi flash flood that swept through the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors on August 26, causing heavy loss of life and property.
The special motion presented by Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal paid tribute to Nepali and foreign nationals who lost their lives in the disaster and expressed condolences to their families. The Speaker also wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
Aryal urged the government and concerned agencies to address the financial and psychological needs of flood-affected communities and ensure women and children have easy access to safe shelter, protection and essential health services.
He said rising global temperatures were intensifying the impacts of climate change including glacier and glacial lake melt. He called for Nepal to raise the climate crisis and the losses and damages caused by climate change at international forums saying the country was increasingly facing national security challenges linked to climate change.
“The Rasuwa disaster is a lesson to us. Preparedness should be a culture rather than a part of disaster management,” Aryal said, stressing the need for regular monitoring of glaciers and glacial lakes.
He called on all three tiers of government, political parties, civil society and government agencies to mobilize resources effectively to intensify rescue operations and rehabilitate displaced people.
The House also observed a minute of silence in memory of those killed in the disaster.
The next meeting of the House of Representatives is scheduled for 1 pm Thursday.
