Kathmandu [Nepal], September 2 – Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Wednesday said the landslide damaged Krishnabhir section of the Prithvi ighhway would be reopened within this month while detailing the government’s response to the devastating Bhotekoshi-Trishuli flood.
Addressing the House of Representatives, Shah said erosion beneath the highway by the Trishuli River triggered a landslide and caused the road to collapse. He said debris would be cleared and reconstruction accelerated to restore traffic within the month despite reports that repairs could take several months.
Shah said the government immediately activated a Joint Operation Committee of the Nepali Army, a Quick Action Team of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority and a Rapid Response Team under the Prime Minister’s Office to coordinate and monitor the disaster response.
He said 13,295 security personnel from the Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police force were mobilised by 8 pm on August 26 while 351 people were evacuated through 69 flights. Priority was given to critically injured people, pregnant women, newborn mothers, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
The government sent relief supplies including eight trucks on the first night while free voice, data and SMS services were provided in affected areas. Medical teams were deployed and 100 beds were reserved at the National Trauma Centre and Bir Hospital.
Shah said 11,993 people had been rescued so far. Of 292 injured people admitted to hospitals and 182 had been discharged.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s Disaster Rescue and Relief Fund has collected Rs 7.885 billion. Of the Rs 1 billion released, Rs 67.5 million has already been distributed to 15 affected local governments.
