Kathmandu [Nepal], Oct 28 – Nepal’s Health Emergency and Disaster Management Unit has directed health authorities across all seven provinces to strengthen emergency preparedness and keep medical response teams on standby ahead of a three-day spell of moderate to heavy rainfall forecast from October 29.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority have also urged people to remain alert over the risk of landslides, floods and inundation following possible heavy rainfall.
In a circular issued to Provincial Health Emergency Operation Centres, Unit Chief Dr Hemant Chandra Ojha directed authorities to designate an emergency focal person available round the clock and share their contact details with the Unit and the public.
The circular also called for emergency medical teams to remain on standby with the necessary health resources. Provincial centres have been asked to update information on available medical personnel, medicines, medical equipment, ambulances and other resources in coordination with partner agencies.
The Unit has also directed provincial centres to coordinate continuously with ambulance dispatch centres to ensure the timely mobilisation of ambulances and provide prompt medical care to people injured or affected by disasters.
The centres have been instructed to submit daily reports on health-related incidents and the overall situation through zero reporting or incident reporting.
The Unit has urged health authorities to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of health services, maintain adequate medical staff and equipment, and mobilise immediate response efforts in disaster-affected areas.
